Research Fellow

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research (Co-Create Age) is a transdisciplinary University Research Centre. The Centre’s mission is to deliver creative and innovative solutions to respond to opportunities, aspirations and concerns identified by older people, to improve health, wellbeing and human flourishing. We are guided by kotahitanga, fostering inclusivity that is respectful of the diversity of older people and the communities to which they belong. Co-Create Age addresses research questions that are informed by communities, supported by skilled researchers to co-create an innovative and robust research programme that delivers practical solutions that work in the real world, in the communities they were designed for and with. https://www.cocreateage.auckland.ac.nz/

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Do you want to play an important role in a transdisciplinary University Research Centre that is committed to co‑creating research with older people, whānau and communities?

We have a fixed‑term opportunity for a values‑driven Research Fellow to join the Centre for Co‑Created Ageing Research (Co-Create ‑Age). Working closely with the Co‑Directors and Research Theme Leads, you will contribute to the development and delivery of co‑created research initiatives that are grounded in equity, partnership and real‑world impact.

This role is relational and dynamic. It will suit someone who is comfortable working with a high degree of independence, able to work in dynamic environments, can demonstrate developing leadership, and is motivated by service to others. You will engage across the University and with community, sector and government partners, helping to strengthen co‑creation capability and support research that reflects the priorities and lived experiences of older people.

Co-Create ‑Age works collectively, with strong emphasis on relationships, respect and shared purpose. This is a role for someone who enjoys working across different settings, stays steady, and brings curiosity, tenacity and care to their work.

While you will work with all Co‑Directors, reporting will sit with one of three Co‑Directors. Our co-directors are Professor Ngaire Kerse, Dr Tia Reihana and Dr Joanna Hikaka.

In this role, you will:

• Proactively manage the Centre’s research development programme, working in close collaboration with the Co‑Directors and Research Theme Leads
• Support and coordinate annual co‑creation seed‑funding rounds and Research Development Groups
• Respond to requests for co‑creation input and assess opportunities for future collaboration and funding
• Build and maintain strong relationships with researchers, community partners, industry and government stakeholders
• Support the development of research proposals, funding applications and related materials
• Champion equity‑led, Tiriti‑informed and co‑creative research practice across the Centre’s work

This is a Part-time (24 hours per week, negotiable), fixed term (until 31 January 2028) opportunity with a possibility of extension.

The salary range for this role is $99,788 - $119,204 (pro rata), depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are someone who is motivated by service — to older people, to whānau, to community — and who brings a calm, grounded presence to your work. You are comfortable stepping into conversations with senior leaders as well as community members, able to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and stay engaged.

You bring confidence and independence without individualism. You are not easily flustered, are able to find another way forward when things do not go to plan, and can operate effectively in sometimes ambiguous environments. You value collective ways of working,and are committed to building relationships that enable meaningful, co‑created outcomes.

Key Skills required:

• Flexible to work beyond disciplinary boundaries and methodologies
• Hold a PhD degree
• Prior research experience
• Experience working with community members and/or older people or caregivers
• Academic or professional knowledge of at least one of the core or cross-cutting thematic areas would be preferred.

The following skills and/or experience will be beneficial, although there will be support provided by staff to develop skillsets as required:

• Understanding of equity issues impacting Māori
• Ability to communicate confidently and comfortably with older people and families
• Ability to develop relationships with public and private external organisations, iwi and charities