"Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow"

Job Description:

Te Kura Pūtaiao Koiora | School of Biological Sciences
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed term (3 years) position
• Salary range up to $96,114.82 p.a.

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

The research group of Prof. Jason Tylianakis, in the School of Biological Sciences, has an opportunity for a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in a research project, Pests and pathogen resistance: is there strength in numbers against a common enemy?

We seek a highly motivated individual with a research background in entomology, ecology or related discipline.

In this role you will undertake research to examine eco-evo processes in a laboratory Drosophila-parasitoid system and in existing host-parasitoid and plant-pathogen networks. Specifically, you will use experiments to ascertain mechanisms, and test for signals of those mechanisms in large existing datasets. You will have completed a PhD in ecology, entomology or related subject (though the degree may not yet have been awarded if applying for Research Associate).

To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills and written English, strong quantitative and data analysis skills (preferably in R), the ability to work creatively and independently, and a strong research background and desire to publish.

You will be mentored by Prof. Jason Tylianakis and located within the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury. The position will also involve extensive collaboration with Prof. Anna-Liisa Laine at the University of Helsinki.

Mōu | Who You Are

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

• A PhD in ecology, entomology or related subject (though you may have completed the degree but be awaiting examination if applying for Research Associate)
• A strong research background
• Expertise in identifying insects and culturing them in the laboratory is highly desirable
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills, including basic programming
• A publication track record 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
• Ability to work positively and respectfully with others, including supporting junior members of the lab group

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

Prof. Jason Tylianakis, within the School of Biological Sciences

For more information about our School and team, please visit us here – www.tylianakislab.org; https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/academic-study/science/science-schools-and-departments/school-of-biological-sciences

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, please visit: www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus

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: 29 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: Prof. Jason Tylianakis (jason.tylianakis@canterbury.ac.nz) to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.

Appointable salary for a Research Associate will be $64,096 - $74,773 NZD (pa)
Appointable salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow will be $64,096 - $96,144 NZD (pa)

Please note: Candidates who have not yet had their Doctorate formally conferred (this includes those who are still completing their Doctorate or have submitted and are awaiting conferral), will be appointed with the title “Research Associate”, with a corresponding salary on the above Research Associate scale. Upon formal conferral of the Doctorate, the title will be updated to “Postdoctoral Fellow”, and the salary adjusted accordingly to reflect this change.

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