"Research Fellow"

Looking for a Research Fellow in applied quantitative policy research. Flexible start date

• Fixed Term, full-time role based at AUT’s City Campus in Auckland

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

The New Zealand Policy Research Institute is a dynamic and collaborative centre dedicated to high-quality research that advances evidence-based policymaking and contributes to a more equitable and informed society. Our work focuses on labour market dynamics, workplace diversity, health, education, and social policy. Our research is both academically rigorous and directly relevant to policymakers in business, government, and the wider community.

We actively engage with external stakeholders and undertake commissioned research for various agencies, including the Ministry of Social Development, Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. For more information, visit nzpri.aut.ac.nz.

Many of our current projects leverage New Zealand’s population-wide administrative database, the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), which contains microdata from government agencies and Stats NZ surveys. The IDI offers a powerful resource for understanding complex societal issues and informing evidence-based policymaking.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We have a two year, fixed term, full-time opportunity for a Research Fellow to make significant impact and develop their career in research and service.

We are advertising this role alongside a Research Officer position and expect to appoint one person to each role. Applicants may apply for one or both roles. The Research Fellow role is intended for early-career researchers with a PhD (or near completion) who wish to develop an academic research profile. The Research Officer role is a professional research role focused on delivering funded projects and does not require a PhD.

Please see the position description available for more information.

About you | Ko wai koe

• PhD (or near completion) with quantitative expertise in a relevant field, for example, Economics, Public Policy, Public Health, or another area aligned to the work of the Institute.
• Strong empirical skills and experience using large linked administrative datasets and/or large-scale surveys.
• Experience and interest in research areas relevant to the work of the Institute (for example, labour, health, education, and/or social policy).
• High competency in statistical software such as Stata or R.

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience - you’ll fit right in.

As an academic member of staff at AUT, you’ll blend research and engagement to create outcomes that have real impact on the world. You’ll collaborate across disciplines and contribute to projects alongside our industry and community partners. With room to experiment, develop your skills and refine your practice, you’ll be supported to make a practical, impactful contribution to both learning and discovery.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your academic career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Clear, visible pathways to grow your academic profile and global impact.
• Access to our labs, simulation centres and real-world research partnerships.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
• Opportunities to work in a supportive, multidisciplinary research centre with a strong track record of policy-relevant and academic research.
• Support to develop an academic research profile, including time and encouragement to produce peer-reviewed publications.
• Opportunities to present research at conferences and workshops, and to publish reports and journal articles.
• Opportunities to work with policy agencies and to build local and international research connections.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
• Professional development opportunities to keep you moving forward.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Submit your full academic CV (including a complete list of publications, if applicable) and a cover letter explaining how your experience aligns with some, or all, of the selection criteria.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $80,000 - $112,000 per annum (appointment level and salary commensurate with skills and experience)
• For academic enquiries: Contact (Dr Lisa Meehan, Director, NZ Policy Research Institute, lisa.meehan@aut.ac.nz).

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 26 March 2026 11:55pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94802

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.**Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.**

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.