Research Assistant

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a research assistant to be part of our prehabilitation for people with cancer programme. In this programme we co-design prehabilitation interventions for people with cancer, with an a priori focus on Māori.

Cancer is a life‑altering diagnosis that affects many people and their whānau. Our programme aims to develop prehabilitation interventions that help people better withstand cancer treatment and surgery. Using participatory research methods, people with cancer, healthcare professionals, and researchers work together during the pre‑surgical period to co‑design interventions that can be implemented into usual care across Aotearoa.

As a Research Assistant, you will play a key role in the day‑to‑day delivery of this research programme, supporting both its design and implementation phases. Working closely with the research team, you will help plan and facilitate co‑design sessions with people with cancer, healthcare professionals, and researchers, supporting meaningful engagement and ensuring participants’ voices are reflected throughout the research process.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful, patient‑centred research.

This is a part time (22.5h), fixed term position for 2 years.

The salary range for this role is $63,600 - $79,300 based on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an organised and motivated research assistant with a strong interest in cancer and rehabilitation research. You enjoy working with people and are confident engaging with patients, healthcare professionals and researchers in a respectful and empathetic way.

You’ll bring strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to support research activities such as coordinating sessions, collecting data, and managing transcription and analysis. You are comfortable working with data, have good attention to detail, and can use systems such as Microsoft Office, with experience or willingness to learn tools like NVivo and REDCap.

You work well both independently and as part of a collaborative research team, value equity and integrity in your work, and are motivated by contributing to research that can improve health outcomes.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 14 May 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 Hanna van Waart, via hanna.van.waart@auckland.ac.nz, for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.