The Liggins Institute

Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau / The University of Auckland

• 4 year Fellowships with research working expenses and PhD stipends
• Open to Researchers from a broad range of specialisations
• World-leading research centre and multi-disciplinary team

The world-renowned Liggins Institute is calling for expressions of interest from outstanding early to mid-career researchers who may wish to undertake a four year Aotearoa Foundation Fellowship within the Institute. There are two Fellowships available, which include two PhD stipends and research funding for each successful recipient.

A substantive academic position at Senior Research Fellow / Associate Professor level also is available for those who bring more experience and have already established an appropriate track record.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The Liggins Institute is part of the University of Auckland based in the heart of Auckland City, New Zealand. Research at the Liggins Institute has demonstrated that events that occur in pregnancy and in the period after birth can have a profound impact on the baby’s physical and mental development. Our multidisciplinary research focuses on identifying risks and developing strategies that will reduce or prevent risk and that can be translated into clinical practice.

At the Liggins Institute you’ll be part of a world-leading centre for research into maternal, fetal and child health, nutrition, development, epigenetics and translational science.

You’ll contribute to excellent research into the long-term consequences of early-life events. Your work will help to translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice that makes a difference to the health of this generation and the next. You will collaborate in international research and build your reputation by contributing to publications and conferences.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Interested candidates should have a relevant higher research degree (eg PhD in medicine, nursing, midwifery, psychology, education, clinical nutrition, health economics, implementation science, medical imaging) and at least two years’ postdoctoral research experience. Additional clinical practice experience should be highlighted but is not essential.

For more detailed information about this role and the Liggins Institute, please review the Candidate Information Booklet and Position Description. 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About our team

The Liggins Institute was the University’s first Large Scale Research Institute. It is a world leading centre for translational research on maternal, fetal and child health; the impact of nutrition on health throughout life; epigenetic regulation of growth and development; the origins of non-communicable diseases, particularly metabolic, and knowledge transfer.

Our research programme focuses on how maternal, fetal and neonatal nutrition and the intrauterine environment affect fetal and postnatal growth, development and long-term health. We are also working to understand the causes and consequences of preterm birth and fetal growth restriction (FGR), which together affect more than 8,000 babies born in New Zealand each year. These conditions have long-term implications including neonatal and on-going illness, compromised growth and cognitive development, and increased risk of chronic adult conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The multi-disciplinary nature of the Institute will give you the opportunity to work with colleagues from many different specialisations. From molecular research in the laboratory through to clinical trials in babies, children and adults, you’ll collaborate with and learn from experts in your field. The institute receives considerable philanthropic support and our staff have continuing success in being awarded substantial research grants, including the Aotearoa Foundation $2.7 million grant, the Health Research Council (NZ) $4.9 million grant and National Institutes of Health (USA) grants of US$1.5 million.

Additionally, the University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

We also offer a 6.75% superannuation scheme, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, discounted onsite childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information please visit our Staff Benefits page.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Should you want to find out more about these opportunities, please contact Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding, [email protected] with an initial expression of interest and any questions you may have or wish to discuss.  

While we are happy to answer questions by email, we ask that applications are submitted online.

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Saturday 31st October 2020 and include an up to date CV and cover letter.

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy  to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for two weeks on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an offshore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.