Research Assistant - 12 months fixed term - part-time

  • Part-time
  • Campus: Newmarket Campus
  • Position Number: 55570296
  • UoA Department Name: FMHS Research Support

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

Our lecturers and health researchers are regarded as experts in their fields, frequently directing global research projects designed to better the lives of New Zealanders and the world, and in turn passing this knowledge on to our students.

Job Description

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences is a diverse faculty with more than 4,000 students studying across six schools, led by world-leading researchers.  We are committed to improving the health of our local, national, and global communities through excellence in teaching, research, service, and engagement.

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 people of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Do you want to play an important role in a transdisciplinary University Research Centre?

Are you a dynamic Research Assistant looking to deliver creative and innovative solutions?

In this role, you will apply your skills to really make an impact and realise the opportunities, needs, and concerns identified by older people, to improve their health, wellbeing, and flourishing.

We have a fixed-term vacancy for a highly organised and motivated individual to work with the Directors and Research Operations Manager as a Research Assistant in the Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research (CCREATE-AGE) team.  Hīkina kia tutuki - rise to meet the challenge.

This is an important role within the team. As a Research Assistant, you will work closely with the transdisciplinary team of academics, external partners and the public – unlocking human potential by giving older people, researchers and stakeholders the opportunity to co-create world-class ageing research.

CCREATE-AGE has a strong focus on tackling ageism and addressing inequity.  A clear understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and our obligations, together with understanding diverse Pasifika communities, is essential in order to walk alongside Māori and Pacific communities as equitable partners.

As a Research Assistant, your work will be guided by kotahitanga, fostering inclusivity that is respectful of the diversity of older people and the communities to which they belong. You will support the Directors; team and Working Group Leads in four main areas:

  • Assisting with co-creation development
  • Creating inclusive opportunities for older people to be involved in research activities
  • Capturing and sharing the difference that public involvement makes to research
  • Equity development.

You will undertake operational aspects of the CCREATE-AGE strategy, including supporting the co-creation and implementation of working group plans, supporting the co-creation of research proposals, and undertaking outreach activities with older people in community settings in Aotearoa. 

CCREATE-AGE Research Assistants are fully committed to the Research Centre philosophy and ethos of co-creation with older people and other stakeholders.

This is a Part-time (3 days per week, 0.6FTE, 22.h hrs pw), fixed-term opportunity with a possibility of extension.

We would consider an internal secondment and can possibly negotiate the FTE.

The salary range for this role is $62,400 -$77,800 pro rata, dependent on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description 

He kōrero mōu | About you

This is not your usual Research Assistant position — we’re looking for someone who is confident, self-motivated, and self-driven and who thrives in a proactive environment. Our ideal candidate is a good problem solver, resilient, takes responsibility for their work, and brings ideas to the table that help shape projects and outcomes.

You’ll be tech savvy with strong tech aptitude, presentation skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office. A solid understanding of research funding processes (would be advantageous), coupled with high accuracy in your work, will help you excel in this role. You’ll need strong skills to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and community members. Your ability to form positive relationships with collaborating organisations, combined with a proactive, can-do approach, will make you an invaluable member of our team.

Key Skills required:

  • Flexible to work beyond disciplinary boundaries and methodologies
  • Holds a Bachelor’s degree
  • Relevant tertiary qualification or comparative work experience
  • Prior research experience
  • Experience working with older people or caregivers
  • Academic or professional knowledge of at least one of the core or cross-cutting thematic areas would be preferred.

The following skills and/or experience will be beneficial:

  • Understanding of equity issues impacting Māori
  • Ability to communicate confidently and comfortably with older people (especially older people living with dementia) and families
  • Ability to develop relationships with public and private external organisations, iwi and charities

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)
  • A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

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 31st August 2025 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 Tamika Simpson via [email protected], for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

**We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found**

**Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.**

Additional Information

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

 

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