"Assistant Research Fellow - Centre for International Health-2600398"

DIVISION OF HEALTH SCIENCES | TE WĀHANGA MATUA MĀTAU HAUORA

CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | TE POKAPŪ RANGAHAU HAUORA O TE AO

The Centre for International Health is in the Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago. The Centre facilitates and promotes research to contribute to the understanding and improvement of health in under-resourced countries, while focusing on postgraduate training and strategic mentorship of leaders.

The role | Te mahi 

The Centre for International Health is seeking a motivated and detail oriented Assistant Research Fellow to join their team. This fixed term, part time position will contribute to an important project developing culturally tailored lifestyle health messages for South Asian communities.

In this role, you will:

•    Conduct a scoping review of methodologies used to develop culturally tailored health messages.

•    Synthesise findings from four completed research projects examining diet and physical activity barriers among South Asian populations.

•    Map behavioural barriers onto behaviour change frameworks.

•    Support the development of a theory-informed bank of culturally appropriate lifestyle health messages.

•    You will work closely with academic staff in a collaborative research environment within the Centre for International Health.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about behavioural science, health communication, health equity and culturally responsive public health approaches.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako 

The successful applicant will have:

•    A completed Master’s degree in Human Nutrition, Public Health, Health Psychology, Behavioural Science, Health Communication, or related fields.

•    Experience conducting literature reviews.

•    Qualitative research skills.

•    Strong academic writing and communication skills.

•    Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.

Highly valued (but not required): 

•    Knowledge of behaviour change theory and health communication.

•    Understanding of health inequalities and culturally adapted interventions.

•    Experience working with South Asian and/or ethnic minority communities.

•    Co design or participatory research experience.

•    Multilingual skills relevant to South Asian communities.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a part-time (0.4 FTE), fixed term position until mid-July 2026 based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. The anticipated start date is Monday, 13 April 2026. As this is a short‑term, part‑time role, relocation or translocation costs are not covered.

The salary for Assistant Research Fellow’s is $62,496 to $84,125 (pro-rata) based on qualifications and experience.

You must have the right to work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

For further information, please contact Dr Sherly Parackal, via the email addresses below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600398 will close on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Contact: Dr Sherly Parackal

Position details: Information Statement

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin

Primary Location NZL-SI-Dunedin

Employment Status Fixed Term 

Salary Level and Range Assistant Research Fellow ($62,496 to $84,125)

Organisation Centre for International Health

Job Function Academic