"Research Nurse - Department of Surgery & Anaesthesia"

DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY & ANAESTHESIA | TE TARI HĀPARAPARA, TE TARI WHĀOMOOMO

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO WELLINGTON | ŌTĀKOU WHAKAIHU WAKA, PŌNEKE

The role | Te mahi

The purpose of this role is to coordinate and conduct patient recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and tissue collection for research studies in the Department of Surgery and Clinical Care. This role is crucial for gathering high-quality data and tissue from participants across multiple studies within the department. Areas of research include cancer, orthopaedics, and vascular surgery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Patient recruitment and consent: identify eligible patients undergoing surgery or biopsy for multiple research projects at Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals. Engage with patients and their whānau to clearly explain the study, provide documentation, answer questions, and obtain informed consent.
• Tissue collection: liaise with clinical teams (surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nursing staff) to collect tissue samples at the time of surgery or biopsy. Perform venipuncture for blood samples and process tissue for storage in a laboratory environment.
• Data collection and management: collect comprehensive patient data through direct patient contact, discussion with clinicians, and review of clinical records. Gather data on patient demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, residence). Collate results from blood tests (e.g., CBC, U&E, LFT, albumin). Record data on co-morbidities, medications, and treatment. Ensure accurate and timely entry of all collected data onto the studies’ research software (e.g., RedCap). Maintain accurate and confidential patient records in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
• Patient Follow-up: collect primary and secondary outcome measures, including mortality, complications, and treatment completion.
• Team coordination: work collaboratively with the clinical staff to ensure seamless integration of research activities. Work collaboratively with university research staff who will assist with collections.

Your Skills and Experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Essential:

• Registered or Enrolled Nurse
• Demonstrated experience in a hospital or clinical setting, preferably in surgical nursing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team
• Proficiency with clinical software and data entry

Preferred:

• Experience in clinical research, including ethics, patient consent, and data collection
• Experience in Kaupapa Māori Health

About our team | Mō te tīma

The Department of Surgery and Critical Care at University of Otago, Wellington is a multidisciplinary group dedicated to linking basic science with clinical research and providing high quality clinical teaching. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to multiple research projects and national collaborations.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), fixed term (1 year duration) position, located in Pōneke, Wellington. The position is located at Wellington Regional Hospital and will sometimes involve travel to Kenepuru Hospital.

The salary range for this position is $84,147 to $106,319 per annum; level of appointment will be based on skills and experience.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information or to discuss the role in confidence please contact Associate Professor Kirsty Danielson via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600141 will close on Monday, 9 February 2026.

Applications may be considered as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

• Contact: Professor Kirsty Danielson
• Position details: Job Description
• Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Wellington

Posted: 23/01/2026