Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, with a turnover of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 45,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Our mission and values place strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Our National Institute of Health Innovation (NIHI) is seeking two part-time Research Assistants who will be employed to assist with conducting participant briefings and interviews, data coding and qualitative analysis, and systematic/literature reviews. 

We are offering a fixed-term role for a period between 12 and 8 months on a part-time basis. We expect that you will be working up to 12 hours a week. This is an ideal opportunity for current or recent students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.

This project will explore the lived experience of people with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) using wearable cameras and creative narratives. This information will be used to develop a virtual reality tool to raise awareness around FASD. Your core responsibilities will involve:

Assist with briefing and interviewing participants           

• Follow study protocol to consent and brief participants taking part in the study.
• Conduct interviews (in-person or via zoom) with study participants.
• Complete data collection and case record forms.
• Attend regular project meetings.
• Advise PI of any issues related to the project in a timely manner

Data coding and analysis             

• Attend training to code data.
• Apply coding to videos and still images in accordance with manualised codes.
• Assist with analysing data, including qualitative analysis

Prepare scientific reports and publication           

• Assist with conducting systematic/literature review and outlining background literature
• Assist with the preparation of a study report/manuscript to a high standard and on time

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The research is situated within the NIHI in the University of Auckland School of Population Health. NIHI is a multi-disciplinary group of health researchers with an international reputation for studies into the causes, prevention and treatment of health problems, and the role that information systems and technology play in changing how healthcare is delivered.

You will be working in a small team with the PI and Co-Investigators on this project. Our research covers mental health, family-based interventions, alcohol-related harm, and mental health.  

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be considered for this role you must have a qualification (undergraduate or postgraduate) in a relevant area (public health, psychology, psychological medicine, statistics, or related field). It would also be beneficial if you have experience with behavioural data, including coding and analysis. This is an entry level position, but we will be looking for the below traits and experiences.

• Have excellent written communication skills
• Well-developed Excel skills
• Ability to work independently
• Quantitative analysis skills (preferred but not essential)

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 26 November 2021 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Jessica McCormack via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

Covid-19 Vaccination

The University of Auckland is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of our staff and students.  All students, staff and visitors need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or medically exempt, in order to come onto our campuses or to take part in face-to-face University-managed activities. Therefore, we are only able to consider applicants who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a New Zealand Ministry of Health issued medical exemption and evidence of this will be requested as part of your employment. You can read more about the University’s vaccination policy here.

Overseas Applicants

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 seven days 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.

Equity

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