"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
• Fixed term three year position starting March 2026

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

School of Biological Sciences has an opportunity for a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in a research project, Unlocking a New Genetic Tool to Protect Honeybees and Advance Biotechnology.

We seek a highly motivated individual with a research background in Microbial Genetics and or Molecular Evolution.

In this role you will undertake research to examine a mobile genetic element found in the honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae. Specifically, you will work to develop and validate methods for assessing the molecular functioning and fitness effects of this element. You will have completed a PhD in Biology or a closely related subject.

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 creatively and independently, and a strong research background.

You will applicant will be mentored by Associate Professor Heather Hendrickson and located within the School of Biological Sciences. The position will also involve extensive collaboration with project partners in Biochemistry and the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

Mōu | Who You Are

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

• A PhD in Biology or a related discipline
• A strong research background
• Expertise in Microbial Genetics and or Molecular Evolution
• 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

Biological Sciences is a large and dynamic school offering a diverse range of courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our researchers provide expertise to local and international communities and as scientists we aim to always push out the frontiers of knowledge as well as acting as a critic and conscience of society.

We are also strongly aligned with the UN’s sustainable development goals, from supporting access to quality education to researching climate change and sustainable ways to support the wide range of life on land and below water. For more information about our School and team, please visit us here – School of Biological Sciences | 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.

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: 10 February 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: Heather Hendrickson (heather.hendrickson@canterbury.ac.nz) to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.

Appointable salary for a Research Associate will be $64,096 p.a. - $74,773 p.a.
Appointable salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow will be $64,096 p.a. - $96,144 p.a.

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.

Job Details

Reference #	30301
Posted on	06 Jan 2026
Closes on	10 Feb 2026 23:55
Location(s)	Christchurch
Expertise	Science & Technology
Job level(s)	Experienced
Work type(s)	Fixed term full-time

Posted: 06/01/2026