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

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join our team based at the Grafton Campus. The main purpose of this position is to undertake research and provide technical support in the Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab.

This is a fixed-term position due to run for two years. We are happy to consider applications from people who wish to work part-time.

The research fellow will be working on a project studying how a gastrointestinal bacterium called Citrobacter rodentium, which has evolved to become more infectious. We have identified a number of genetic changes in our evolved strains and wish to understand if/how they contribute to the bacterium’s ability to transmit between hosts. This role will therefore involve undertaking molecular microbiology studies within a Physical Containment level 2 (PC2) lab. We are looking for someone able to:

• Undertake molecular microbiological studies
• Maintain lab records and accurate sample inventories
• Write and publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Attend meetings and seminars
• Write grants and reports as required
• Co-supervise postgraduate students within the research group
• Assist other members within the research group as needed
• Constructively contribute to the development of the lab’s working environment of teamwork and cooperation.

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

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS) was established in 1968 as The University of Auckland School of Medicine. Since then, FMHS has grown and developed into a large and diverse faculty with schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Population Health, Medical Sciences and Medicine. FMHS has over 4000 students and 1000 staff committed to improving the health of our local, national, and global communities through excellence in teaching, research, and service in a faculty rated in the top one percent of biomedical universities in the world.

The Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab is run by Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles. Siouxsie is interested in all sorts of things related to infectious microbes and antibiotic resistance, so members of the Lab work on a variety of different projects. You can read a little more about these projects on the lab’s website at www.superbugslab.org. Please also check out this document which outlines our lab’s values and expectations of each other.

He kōrero mōu | About you

This is a technical lab-based role, so we require you to have a PhD in Molecular Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or related disciplines. It is also essential that you have prior molecular biology laboratory research experience.

Ideally, we are looking for someone able to demonstrate experience in postdoctoral research and with knowledge and hands on experience of molecular biology techniques.

Beyond your technical skills we are interested in someone communicative, with an understanding of the added value that good written presentation skills will bring to the role. We are also looking for someone who is happy being social in the workplace, as this drive’s better outcomes in your work and the team’s work as whole. We’re keen to get an understanding of your experience of planning and organising as well at the techniques and methods you use when managing your time.

Your application will stand out if you have:

• Experience with knocking out bacterial genes
• Experience working in a Physical Containment level 2 (PC2) lab
• Experience working with human pathogenic bacteria
• Experience in data and statistical analysis

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 10 January 2022 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 Siouxsie Wiles 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