"Postdoctoral Fellow"

Job Description

Te Pokapū Taunekeneke Rāpoi Ngota| Biomolecular Interaction Centre
Located in Ōta utahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed term position - 2 years
• Salary range $64,096 – 85,000 p.a.

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā! He hiahia, he pūkenga nō u ki te mahi a te Postdoctoral Fellow? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Te Pokapū Taunekeneke Rāpoi Ngota| Biomolecular Interaction Centre has an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in a research project developing next-generation biosensors for rapid, low-cost diagnostics in healthcare, drug testing, and winemaking. We seek a highly motivated individual with a research background in microfluidic engineering.

In this role you will undertake research to engineer capillaric microfluidic chips with advanced flow control elements (e.g., timing circuits, self-correcting logic valves). This will include integration of electrochemical sensor arrays and wireless readout systems and developing mass-manufacturable designs using rapid prototyping and injection moulding. This role will involve collaborating with industry partners to ensure real-world usability and manufacturability.

The requirements for this role include having completed a PhD in Engineering, and experience in microfluidics, diagnostics, integration, or fluidic mechanics and familiarity with biosensors. Familiarity with fluid simulation (e.g., COMSOL) or electrochemical detection platforms is advantageous.

To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills and written English, strong quantitative and data analysis skills, the ability to work collaboratively and independently, and a strong research background.

You will be located within the Biomolecular Interaction Centre and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. The position will also involve extensive collaboration with industry partners.

Mōu | Who You Are

To be successful in this position you will ideally have the following:

• A PhD in Engineering
• A strong research background
• Expertise in microfluidics (design, integration, diagnostics, applications), biosensors and ideally, fluid simulation.
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills
• A publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
• A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
• The ability to work creatively and independently.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work alongside Professor Volker Nock, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Dr Michael Edmonds, Biomolecular Interaction Centre. The Biomolecular Interaction Centre (BIC) is a multi-disciplinary research centre dedicated to the study of molecular interactions critical to biological function. For more information about our School and team, please visit us here – Biomolecular Interaction Centre | UC.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive working environment
• Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café’s and eateries, and more.

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

The closing date for this position is: 20 March 2026 (midnight, NZ time)*Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.*

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume. Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: michael.edmonds@canterbury.ac.nz to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.

Appointable salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow will be $64,096 - $85,000 (pa)

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.