Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading university. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are proud to be one of the country’s largest and most diverse employers. Our people are driven by curiosity, purpose, and a shared commitment to creating positive impact for our communities.

Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) is Aotearoa’s largest and most impactful longitudinal study of child health and wellbeing. For more than 13 years, we’ve followed over 6,000 rangatahi and their families, gathering rich data that helps us understand what shapes children’s lives in modern Aotearoa. More than a research project, GUiNZ provides trusted scientific and policy‑relevant evidence that informs family‑focused policies and deepens our understanding of child outcomes and equity.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity
Are you passionate about making Aotearoa the best place in the world for young people? Do you have a strong research background and the skills to contribute to a groundbreaking longitudinal study? If so, we want you to join our team as a Research Fellow in GUiNZ.

As a Research Fellow at GUiNZ, you will play a vital role in our multidisciplinary team. Your primary responsibility will be to develop data collection tools, analyse and report longitudinal data, working closely with your colleagues to plan, coordinate, and manage research activities that align with our vision. Your strong analytical and report-writing skills will ensure that our research is delivered on time and meets contractual requirements.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), fixed-term (to February 2028) opportunity.

The salary range for this role is $99,788 – $119,204 depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Our Home

GUiNZ is based in the School of Population Health within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Our mission is to collaborate with others, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the health of all New Zealanders. Our home is currently located on the vibrant Grafton Campus, where we operate from a purpose-built, architecturally designed building that promotes interaction and collaboration.

Our Research team

At GUiNZ, we are more than just a team; we are a multidisciplinary family dedicated to making a difference. Our research spans six diverse domains, each playing a crucial role in achieving the goals of our longitudinal study. These domains include health and wellbeing, culture and identity, psychosocial and cognitive development, education, societal context, neighbourhood and environment, and family and whānau. We work seamlessly as part of a broader team, ensuring that our research makes a meaningful impact on the lives of New Zealanders.

Our Impact

The research conducted by GUiNZ over the years has provided invaluable insights into various critical areas. From informing policies on paid parental leave to contributing to the understanding of immunisation, poverty, material hardship, family housing, household safety, bullying, participation in Early Childhood Education, and even the impact of pre-and post-natal depression among fathers in New Zealand, our work has far-reaching effects on the wellbeing of families in New Zealand.

Join us on this journey to make a positive impact on the lives of New Zealanders. Be a part of a team dedicated to driving change and improving the future for young people. Apply now and bring your passion and skills to GUiNZ.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will bring the following:

• A PhD in a relevant field: e.g. PhD in Public Health/Population Health, Māori Health, Pacific Health, Asian Health, Youth/Adolescent Health, Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Education, Justice, Disability, Social Sciences.
• Experience undertaking research with priority communities, including with Māori, Pacific and Asian peoples, as well as Rainbow communities and Tangata Whaikaha/those who experience disability.
• Your academic qualification and experience will showcase your expertise in research within youth research, for example in areas such as health, economic disparities, food accessibility, education, and their influence on the wellbeing of young individuals.
• Experience working on large and/or complex research projects, with strong analytical skills and interests in longitudinal and/or life course approaches.
• Experience working positively and productively with diverse stakeholders and subject-matter experts to identify research priorities and progress research projects.
• Commitment to knowledge translation, including through the creation of evidence-based insights that can be used to inform policy and programmes.
• Excellent report writing, quantitative data analysis, scientific writing and editing skills.

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 April 2026 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 Avinesh Pillai, [email protected] for a confidential conversation. 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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz