Hamilton | Full time | Permanent 

At DairyNZ, our purpose is clear, progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming. We work alongside farmers and industry partners to leverage collective strength and create purposeful change. 

We’re seeking a Research Data Analyst to join our Data Science & Modelling team. This is a key role supporting high-impact research through strong data governance, robust systems, and reproducible analytical practices. 

About the role 

Reporting to the Head of Data Science & Modelling, you will enable the successful delivery of DairyNZ’s research programmes by ensuring research data is accurate, trusted, accessible, and well-governed. 

You will work closely with Scientists, Technicians, and cross-functional teams to strengthen data quality, streamline workflows, and deliver credible reporting that underpins confident decision-making. 

This role also contributes directly to DairyNZ’s Data, Information and AI Strategy by improving data standards, governance practices, and automation across research programmes. 

What you will do 

Strengthen data integrity and governance 

• Partner with Scientists and Technicians to define data requirements 

• Monitor and manage data flows to ensure integrity, traceability and compliance 

• Validate, reconcile and document datasets to agreed quality standards 

• Maintain strong metadata, version control and governance practices 

• Improve data quality, accessibility and usability across research programmes 

Deliver analytical and technical solutions 

• Analyse and interpret research data using appropriate statistical techniques 

• Develop reproducible workflows in R 

• Build automated reporting solutions (e.g. R Markdown) 

• Utilise relational databases and data warehouses, including Snowflake and GitHub 

• Contribute to automation and structured data pipeline development 

Collaborate and build capability 

• Work within cross-functional teams to deliver data outcomes 

• Share technical expertise and support agreed Standard Operating Procedures 

• Contribute to lifting data capability across research teams 

About you 

You are analytical, detail-oriented and motivated by producing trusted, high-quality data that supports credible science and real-world impact. 

Essential 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline 

• Strong understanding of dairy science and agricultural research data 

• Experience working with relational databases and data warehouses 

• Working knowledge of R 

Preferred 

• Postgraduate qualification 

• Experience with large or complex datasets 

• Experience with automated reporting tools 

You will also bring strong attention to detail, clear written communication, effective planning, technical curiosity, and an understanding of the New Zealand dairy industry. 

You will also bring: 

• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy 

• Clear, concise written communication 

• Strong planning and time management skills 

• Perseverance and drive to deliver outcomes 

• Technical curiosity and ability to learn quickly 

• Sound IT capability across relevant analytical tools 

• Understanding of the New Zealand dairy industry 

Why join DairyNZ? 

• Contribute to research that directly supports New Zealand dairy farmers 

• Play a role in implementing DairyNZ’s Data Strategy 

• Work in a collaborative, science-driven environment 

• Build technical capability within a respected industry organisation 

• Help shape programmes that influence the future of the dairy sector 

If you’re motivated by strong systems, credible data, and research that makes a difference for farmers, we’d love to hear from you. 

Check out the full position description here to read more detail. Applications close 16th March 2026

Apply now and help us progress a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming.