Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

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 is committed to improving the health of our local, national and global communities through excellence in teaching, research, service and engagement.

Our knowledge, expertise and teaching are our taonga. We value our students, alumni and donors and we work closely with partners such as Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ and Te Aka Whai Ora | Māori Health Authority, as well as communities, organisations, industry and international partners to advance the wellbeing of the peoples of Aotearoa, with a clear commitment to sustainably regenerate people & place.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Based in the department of Physiology, this role is responsible for performing research at an international level on defined projects and contributing to the intellectual environment of the research group and the department.  Specifically, identifying new therapeutic targets for diabetic heart disease.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research fellow to work in the field of cardiology molecular discovery. Successful applicants will be a part of a dynamic team with a mission to understand how the heart responds to metabolic stress, and discover novel molecular targets to test new therapeutic interventions for diabetic heart disease.

This project is in the field of pre-clinical discoveries in cardiology with a focus on diabetic cardiomyopathy, metabolism and failure. The early occurrence of diastolic dysfunction in otherwise ‘healthy’ asymptomatic diabetic patients has been extensively reported, and is prognostic of later occurrence of heart failure and increased mortality. There are currently no evidence-based treatments for diastolic dysfunction, and our goal is to identify novel mechanisms with therapeutic value.

This role will enable an outstanding emerging scientist to undertake research in Dr Kim Mellor’s lab at the University of Auckland, in collaboration with other members of the Cardiac Research Consortium in Melbourne, Prof Lea Delbridge, Dr Kate Weeks and Dr Jim Bell. This project will involve work with experimental models of disease and clinical biopsy samples and employs a range of innovative state-of-the-art techniques including:

• gene editing (Crispr) & gene therapy (AAV)
• VEVO high frequency ultrasound echocardiography
• cardiomyocyte live cell imaging
• isolated heart perfusions
• proteomics, metabolomics, gene profiling
• cell culture of cardiomyocytes

Specific areas of research include:

• diastolic dysfunction
• cardiac metabolism
• signalling regulation & post-translational modification of proteins
• cardiac function (echocardiography)
• cardiomyocyte mechanics and Ca handling (live cell imaging)

This position is for researchers who have completed a PhD, preferably in the field of cardiac or cardiovascular physiology. Technical expertise in molecular biology, cardiac function evaluation, cardiomyocyte live cell imaging, and/or isolated heart preparations, is highly desired.

The lab is funded by competitive grants from the Health Research Council NZ and Marsden Fund New Zealand.

This is a fulltime (40 hours per week), 24-month fixed term role.

Remuneration:  PDF1 to RF3 ($90,405 - $104,175) per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

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

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are looking for an eager and enthusiastic scientist with evidence of a quality publication record, with excellent communication skills and willingness to provide leadership.

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 several 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 4 December 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 Dr Kim Mellor via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

To be considered for this role, you must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid New Zealand work visa.

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.

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