Research Assistant - fixed term

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 supporting high‑quality research that makes a difference for children, families, and communities across Aotearoa?

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team. In this role, you will support the planning, coordination, documentation, and reporting of longitudinal data collection activities across the GUiNZ programme. You will work collaboratively across research, biostatistics, and field operations teams to ensure data is collected, managed, and reported to a high standard.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Supporting project planning linked to research deliverables and data collection waves
• Coordinating research activities, tracking progress, and ensuring timelines are met
• Maintaining clear research documentation (e.g., SOPs, technical documents)
• Supporting analysis planning and contributing to scientific and policy‑relevant outputs
• Preparing high‑quality research and technical reports

This is a fulltime (37.5 hours per week), fixed term until September 2027.

The salary range for this role is $63,600 - $79,300 depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information, please view the position description

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

GUiNZ sits within the School of Population Health, part of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Our mission is to work collaboratively to generate knowledge that supports the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. We are based at the Grafton Campus in a purpose‑built, architecturally designed space that supports connection, research excellence, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

Our research team

Our team is multidisciplinary and united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, and their whānau. Our work spans six key domains—health and wellbeing; culture and identity; psychosocial and cognitive development; education; societal context, neighbourhood and environment; and family and whānau. Together, we contribute to the ongoing delivery and impact of Aotearoa’s largest longitudinal study.

Our impact

GUiNZ research has shaped national understanding and informed policy across areas such as paid parental leave, immunisation, poverty and material hardship, family housing and mobility, child safety, bullying, early childhood education, and the mental health of parents. Our insights continue to influence decisions that affect families and communities across Aotearoa.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will bring the following:

Essential

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public/Population Health, Māori Health, Pacific Health, Asian Health, Youth Health, Epidemiology, Psychology, Education, Justice, Disability, Social Sciences)
• Strong written communication skills, including scientific and report writing
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain high‑quality documentation
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to embrace change, demonstrate flexibility, and contribute positively to a multidisciplinary research environment

Preferred

• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance in research
• Experience with literature searching, reviewing, and summarising findings
• Experience with data entry or data management
• Analytical skills using R, SPSS, STATA, or similar tools
• Experience working with stakeholders or collaborators

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 is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and 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 5 March 2026. Please include your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role requirements.

For a confidential conversation about the position, please contact Avinesh Pillai via [email protected]. Please note that applications cannot be accepted via email.

 

 

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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