Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. It undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students' study in our 10 schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers. Our staff and students can connect with our flagship Tuākana, Women in Science, Parenting and Rainbow networks, and our Waipapa Marae.

Our mission and values place a 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

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Auckland, to join a research team working on modelling and understanding the dynamics of processes on multilayer and multiplex networks.

There is growing understanding that dynamics on real-world networks are often moderated or influenced by additional factors, which themselves occur on networks and with feedback loops between the processes on the two networks. These processes can occur either across a single node set with multiple edge types (multiplex networks), or multiple distinct node sets, with different edge types within and between the node sets (multilayer networks).

This project aims to understand how dynamics on networks are affected by the multilayer and multiplex network structures and by different network topologies arising in different applications, for example, by considering how behavioural dynamics can affect contagion in networks of epidemic spread. While the project is centered around spreading processes on networks, and particularly disease spread, there is latitude to investigate the dynamics on, and of, networks more broadly, and the postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to develop their own research interests and projects.

Eligibility

We are happy to consider applicants from a diverse range of fields including mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science and statistics. Familiarity with network science and scientific computation is highly desirable.

An interest in epidemiology will be an advantage for this project, but no prior knowledge is required. The successful candidate will hold, or expect to complete before starting the position, a PhD in their disciplinary area.

Applicants from all countries and backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply, however you will need to be able to obtain a visa that allows you to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand before beginning the position.

Members of underrepresented groups are very welcome, as are researchers with families. Our research group aims to achieve work-life balance within a productive scientific environment.

Location

You will be based at Waipapa Taumata Rau - the University of Auckland, and will be joining a team led by Dr Dion O’Neale (Department of Physics) and Associate Professor Claire Postlethwaite (Department of Mathematics).

The position will be embedded within Te Pūnaha Matatini, the Aotearoa New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence for Complex Systems. Te Pūnaha Matatini brings together ‘many faces’ – different disciplines, ways of thought, methods, and crucially, people – to define, and then solve, society’s thorny interconnected problems.

The expertise of our researchers spans the breadth of human knowledge, from computational sciences to environmental economics, and from linguistics to Indigenous philosophy to mathematical biology. This deeply transdisciplinary approach characterises Te Pūnaha Matatini and is unique within the New Zealand research system; it carries methods, approaches, and tools over from one discipline to another, and in doing so, develops integrated and transformative insights.

Te Pūnaha Matatini has an active whānau group which supports early career researchers, committed to the Te Pūnaha Matatini values of manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga.

This is a two year fixed term, fulltime (40 hours per week) position

The salary for a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland in 2023 is set at between $86,979 to $103,904, depending on the track record of the applicant.

Funding for the position is for a maximum of two years, with an end date of no later than the end of 2024.

Start date is flexible but would preferably be before the end of December 2022.

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

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 25 October 2022 to be considered. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Applications should be made through Smart Recruiter [link], and should include a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, and why you would be a good fit,  a CV, and the names and emails of three people who can act as a referee.

Informal enquiries are welcome by email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

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