Senior Research Fellow

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Liggins Institute is a large-scale research institute at the University of Auckland. For over two decades, researchers at the Liggins Institute have shown that events during or immediately prior to pregnancy can have an impact on an individual’s lifelong health. We are one of the world’s leading centres for research on fetal and child health, nutrition, development, epigenetics and translational and implementation science. Our vision is 'a healthy start for a healthy life, and our mission is to improve lifelong health through excellent research into the long-term consequences of early life events.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual experienced in child development studies to join a clinical research group as a Research Fellow. This role will include overseeing developmental follow-up of clinical studies, including MR DIAMOND and MoPED. DIAMOND is a trial assessing the effects of three feeding strategies in moderate-late preterm babies. MR DIAMOND is a nested study aiming to determine the effects of these different feeding strategies on specific aspects of brain maturation using MRI. MoPED is a cohort study in moderate-late preterm babies investigating the relationships between early brain imaging findings and later development. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, developmental and MRI researchers, and statisticians at the Liggins Institute, Auckland. Additionally, you will collaborate with researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto.

This is a full time (40 hours per week), fixed-term opportunity for three years. The remuneration is $91,328 - $113,463 based on skills and experience. For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement, monitor, and analyse studies of infant and child development after preterm birth.
• Oversee developmental follow-up assessment and data analysis for children in the study cohorts at 2 years and 6-7 years of age.
• Assess relationships between neonatal clinical variables, neonatal brain MRI findings, and developmental screening at 3 months, 2 years, and 6-7 years.
• Submit research grants to support the development of the research portfolio.
• Co-supervise post-graduate students, initially with experienced supervisors, and plan to progress to co-primary/primary supervision.
• Disseminate research through publication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the life of the Liggins Institute through service contributions, participation in events, workshops, meetings, and seminars.
• Support the University’s commitment to Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi by demonstrating equity behaviours and values in all interactions.

He kōrero mōu | About you

The successful candidate will be qualified with a PhD or equivalent, experienced in writing and presenting technical documents and reports, and skilled in developmental assessments in children and their interpretation. They will possess a strong understanding of child development, be accurate and meticulous in all aspects of their work and have excellent communication skills. The candidate will also be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, work under pressure with tight timelines, be resourceful, and act on their own initiative. Additionally, it would be preferred if the candidate has:

• A background in health, child development, or behaviour, particularly relevant to neonatal illness, neuroimaging, and longitudinal outcome monitoring.
• Clinical experience in supporting children at risk of developmental problems and their families.
• Experience in the assessment of preterm infants and analysis of neuroimaging data.
• Experience in preparing research grants and papers for publication.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant teaching, laboratory, and research 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 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 27th July, 2024 to be considered. Please reach out to Distinguished Professor Jane Harding ([email protected]) for a confidential conversation.

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 towww.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz