University of Auckland, New Zealand | Liggins Institute
Postdoctoral Fellow - Professor in MRI
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Full-time
- Campus: Grafton Campus
- Position Number: 60022308
- UoA Department Name: Liggins Institute
The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. We have six academic faculties, two large-scale research institutes and a number of professional service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.
Our lecturers and researchers are regarded as experts in their fields, frequently directing global research projects designed to better the lives of New Zealanders and the world, and in turn passing this knowledge on to our students.
The opportunity
We have an opportunity for an academic with experience in brain MRI to join a clinical research group at the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland. The successful candidate will be involved in overseeing longitudinal analysis of MRI studies in neonates and children, including MoPED and STAMP.
MoPED is a cohort study in moderate-late preterm babies investigating the relationships between early brain imaging findings and later development. STAMP is a school-age follow-up study of MoPED plus another moderate-late preterm cohort, including brain MRI and developmental assessment.
The appointee will have day-to-day responsibility for ensuring appropriate collection, storage, processing and analysis of diffusion, structural and functional MRI data in these study cohorts. Analyses will include assessing relationships between neonatal clinical variables, developmental outcomes, and brain MRI findings in the neonatal period and at school age.
This fulltime three-year post will provide an opportunity to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, developmental and MRI researchers and statisticians at the Liggins Institute, Auckland, and collaborate with researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. It will be an exciting opportunity for an applicant with a background in brain MRI processing and analysis, ideally in infants and children.
Applicants from postdoc to professor level will be considered. Salary will be on the University of Auckland salary scales depending on experience. This range is $92,213 (postdoctoral fellow) - $190,294 (professor)
For more detailed information please refer to the position description
About you
You will be a collaborative and motivated researcher who enjoys working across disciplines to improve understanding of infant and child development. You will bring a strong background in MRI processing and analysis, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a highly regarded research team.
Success in this role will come from your analytical capability, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for research that has real-world impact on maternal, fetal and child health outcomes. You will be comfortable working in a dynamic academic environment, building strong relationships with colleagues and collaborators while contributing to a culture of excellence and innovation.
You will bring:
- PhD or equivalent qualification.
- Experience with MRI image processing and analysis packages.
- Expertise in diffusion, structural and/or functional MRI methodologies.
- Strong writing, reporting and presentation skills.
- Experience with scripting or programming for image processing workflows.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic 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 if feasible, flexible hours)
- Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
- A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
In addition, 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.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 16 October 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you meet the skills and experiences detailed above.
Please reach out to distinguished Professor Jane Harding, via j.harding@auckland.ac.nz , for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.
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
Advert Details
- Location: Auckland - New Zealand
- Salary: NZ$92,213 to NZ$190,294 p.a.
- Hours: Full Time
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
- Placed On: 25th September 2026
- Closes: 16th October 2026
- Job Ref: 60022308