Research Fellow- Cure Kids

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, with a turnover of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 45,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Since 1971, Cure Kids has enabled research to transform child health in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The Research Fellowship is a special 2-year award to assist a researcher with an excellent track record to pursue innovative research at the highest level.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The University of Auckland (lead Associate Professor Stephen Howie), in partnership with Cure Kids, has been working with stakeholders in Fiji, notably the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services, to address high priority childhood illnesses, with a focus on respiratory infections and Rheumatic Heart Disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted Fiji significantly, has increased the urgency of this work. As part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s support for Fiji’s COVID-19 response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has awarded a grant, administered by Cure Kids, for health system strengthening and research. This fellowship, funded through this grant, increases capacity within the University of Auckland to contribute to Fiji’s COVID response, undertaking relevant research and other activities addressing paediatric and population health priorities within Fiji and beyond.

The Fellowship provides salary support for 2 years. The salary support package is set at the Lecturers/Research Fellows scale at the University of Auckland.

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

He kōrero mōu | About you

This Cure Kids Research Fellowship will be awarded to a candidate who is capable of independent research activity and who truly exhibits the leadership attributes required for outstanding medical and health research. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a fixed-term employment contract with the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland for the term of their Fellowship.

To be eligible to apply for the Research Fellowship, you will need to:

• An MBChB or equivalent, or other degree-level qualification or equivalent in relevant field. Holding a research degree (PhD or equivalent) is preferred but not required
• Health research experience, including clinical and/or public health research, and experience of and ability to work in a range of cultures.
• Knowledge and skill in research design, execution, analysis; effective scientific writing; and knowledge of NZ and international research and healthcare ethics standards.
• Ideally, you will hold New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency, or residency (overseas seeking to repatriate back to New Zealand will be welcomed). Other rights to work statuses will be considered on a case by case basis.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We are New Zealand’s leading university and maintain significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

We are 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

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 .