Discovering Opportunities at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS) at the University of Auckland stands as a cornerstone of health education and research in New Zealand. Nestled in the vibrant city of Auckland, this faculty attracts professionals passionate about advancing medical knowledge, training future healthcare leaders, and tackling real-world health challenges. Working here means contributing to groundbreaking discoveries while enjoying a supportive academic environment renowned for its innovation and community impact.

With state-of-the-art facilities on the Grafton Campus, FMHS offers a dynamic setting where academic staff, researchers, and professional teams collaborate daily. Whether you're an early-career lecturer eager to shape curricula or a seasoned professor leading international trials, the faculty provides pathways to make a tangible difference in Aotearoa's health landscape.

Academic Roles: Lecturing and Beyond

Academic positions form the backbone of FMHS, encompassing lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors, and full professors. These roles blend teaching, research, and service, allowing staff to mentor students in programs like the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Health Sciences while pursuing personal scholarly agendas.

Lecturers typically handle undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as biomedical science, pharmacy, and population health. They design interactive lectures, supervise lab sessions, and assess student progress, fostering the next generation of clinicians and researchers. Progression to senior lecturer involves demonstrating excellence in teaching innovations and publishing peer-reviewed papers.

For those aiming higher, associate professors and professors lead departments, secure research grants, and influence national health policies. A recent example includes faculty members contributing to expanded medical training capacity, as existing programs can accommodate hundreds more doctors annually. Salaries reflect this responsibility: entry-level lecturers start around NZ$95,000, scaling to over NZ$181,000 for professors, plus medical loadings that can add NZ$50,000 or more for clinical duties.

• Lecturer steps from NZ$94,981 to NZ$113,463 (2024 base).
• Senior Lecturer up to NZ$151,251 and beyond.
• Associate Professor from NZ$157,822; Professor from NZ$181,129.

These figures, adjusted annually, include superannuation options like KiwiSaver and are governed by the Medical Academic Staff Collective Agreement, ensuring fair progression based on performance in teaching, research, and leadership. Details on the agreement outline clear criteria.

Thriving in Research Positions

Research roles at FMHS are ideal for those driven by discovery, spanning research assistants, fellows, and postdocs. Current openings include part-time research assistants supporting clinical trials and full-time research fellows investigating population health trends.

Research fellows often work on funded projects, analyzing data from Auckland City Hospital collaborations or developing interventions for Māori and Pacific health inequities. These fixed-term contracts, typically 1-3 years, offer hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools like genomics and epidemiology software. Postdocs bridge to independent funding, with many transitioning to lectureships.

The faculty's emphasis on real-world impact shines through initiatives like the recent policy shift on blood donations, informed by population health experts. Researchers enjoy access to global networks, with opportunities for study leave up to 12 months and tuition support for PhDs.

Professional and Administrative Careers

Beyond academia, FMHS hires professional staff for roles like executive assistants and development managers. These positions support operations, from coordinating clinical placements to managing grants. An executive assistant team leader role, for instance, oversees schedules for senior faculty, ensuring smooth delivery of programs.

These jobs appeal to those seeking stability without research demands, with competitive pay and the same generous benefits. Professionals contribute to equity efforts, such as MAPAS support for Māori and Pacific students, enhancing the faculty's inclusive ethos.

Compensation and Comprehensive Benefits

FMHS offers robust remuneration aligned with New Zealand's academic standards. Base salaries are supplemented by medical loadings for clinical work—up to NZ$56,806 for senior lecturers—and performance-based increments after 12 months.

Benefits include five weeks annual leave, parental leave (up to nine weeks paid, plus two for secondary carers), sick leave per statute, and bereavement leave sensitive to cultural practices like tangihanga. Superannuation via KiwiSaver or Unisaver ensures long-term security, while professional development funds cover conferences and further qualifications.

• Family violence leave: 10 days annually.
• Research and study leave: Discretionary up to one year.
• Flexible work arrangements for carers and study.

Workload is equitably allocated across teaching (40%), research (40%), and service (20%), adjustable via annual reviews. The workload policy promotes balance.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Culture and Work-Life Balance

Employee feedback paints a positive picture: University of Auckland scores 4.0/5 on Glassdoor for culture and values, with work-life balance at 4.2/5. FMHS staff praise collaborative colleagues, flexible hours, and inclusive events like end-of-year parties.

Challenges exist, such as career progression rated 3.5/5, where promotions demand sustained research output amid teaching loads. However, management supports equity, with policies addressing relative opportunity for diverse staff. The Grafton Campus fosters community, with proximity to parks and harbors enhancing daily life.

Professional Growth and Development

FMHS invests in staff through orientation, annual performance reviews, and funding for degrees. New hires access TEU representation, while seniors pursue sabbaticals. Career blogs highlight paths from research assistant to professor, with internal mobility across faculties.

Relocation support eases moves for internationals, including immigration aid. Employee stories emphasize transformative impacts, like shaping health policy via think tanks.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, FMHS prioritizes Māori and Pacific representation. Equity initiatives reduce health education gaps, with dedicated advisors and culturally responsive curricula. Staff policies promote flexible work for parents and culturally sensitive leave.

The faculty's equity page details ongoing efforts, creating a welcoming space for all backgrounds.

Living and Thriving in Auckland

Auckland's cosmopolitan vibe—1.6 million residents, stunning harbors, and mild climate—complements faculty life. Staff enjoy Recreation Centre discounts and proximity to beaches. As New Zealand's economic hub, it offers cultural richness and outdoor adventures.

Current Vacancies and How to Apply

Explore openings like Genetic Pathologist (Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor), Research Fellow, and Research Assistant at jobs.auckland.ac.nz. Applications involve CVs, cover letters, and referee details, reviewed against role criteria.

Photo by Joshua Zhang on Unsplash

• Academic: PhD preferred, teaching/research portfolio.
• Research: Relevant experience, publications.
• Professional: Sector skills, team fit.

Future Outlook and Emerging Trends

With government funding for more medical students and breakthroughs in smart health tech, FMHS is poised for growth. Expect expanded roles in rural health, Pacific-focused research, and digital medicine. Joining now positions you at the forefront of New Zealand's health evolution.

The faculty's global top-100 ranking and UNSDG impacts underscore its trajectory, making it a prime destination for health professionals seeking purpose and progression.