Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and one of the world’s major research universities. As the country’s largest and most comprehensive university, the University of Auckland conducts teaching and research across eight faculties and two large-scale research institutes.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute is a unique partnership between scientists, engineers, clinicians, and the community. Established in 2001, the Institute excels in world-class bioengineering research carried out by cross-faculty research teams, alongside clinical collaborators in the Auckland region. The ABI’s central research themes are computational physiology, imaging and medical device development, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. The ABI is located within The University of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest provider of medical, engineering, and biomedical research, and ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the world.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The Aotearoa Foundation has generously provided support for three new prestigious Post-Doctoral Fellowships to be awarded over 2 years. The second of these Fellowships is now available to support an outstanding emerging scientist to undertake research for the 12 Labours project at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI).

The overall goal for the 12 Labours project is to further develop the predictive modelling capability that ABI and its international partners have built in the Physiome Project, and to add personalised modelling and various forms of wearable or implantable device to assist in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of a range of medical conditions. 

This Fellowship is for four years and is supplemented with two four-year PhD scholarships that will help the Fellows to establish their own research groups. The applications must align with the MBIE 12 Labours Project and have been developed in discussion with one or more AIs of the project. 

This is a full time (40 hours per week) fixed-term for 48months (4 year) opportunity at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute. Some flexibility to work from home as well as flexible start/finish times, as agreed with the Director.

For more detailed information about the responsibilities and requirements of the role, please review the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

You will be a part of the 12 Labours project team (approx. 20-30 individuals) but also expected to engage with the wider ABI community. The successful applicant will also be required to supervise PhD students.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our ideal candidate will be independent, self-motivated, and industrious while also displaying leadership potential and initiative. You will have the ability to take part in active scientific research and discussion and interact with a group on a scientific and personal level.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have completed a PhD or equivalent postgraduate research degree within 5 years of applying. 

It is essential that applicants have identified a suitable senior academic in the ABI who is a PI or AI on the 12 Labours project to support their application.

You can find information and contact emails for members of the group by searching our Staff directory

EP1: Pulmonary Hypertension: Professor Martyn Nash and Professor Merryn Tawhai

EP2: Personalised rehabilitation of upper limb disorders: Professor Thor Besier

EP3: Control of organ function by the autonomic nervous system: A/Professor Alys Clark and Professor Leo Cheng.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• 6.75% superannuation scheme 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

Your application should detail:

(i) Your academic (and other relevant) background

(ii) The programme of research to be undertaken (including the PhD projects), how the research will fit with your future career plans, and how the research aligns with the goals of ABI’s 12 Labours project

(iii) A letter of support from the PI or one of the AIs on the 12 Labours project

(iv) Names and contact details of three referees

Please read this document to ensure you fulfil the eligibility criteria.

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Friday 11th of March 2022.

If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with Kate Harsant via [email protected]  

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