"Research Officer or Senior Research Officer"

• Seeking a researcher with strong empirical skills
• Opportunity for a Research Officer or Senior Research Officer
• 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.

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 2 year, fixed-term, full-time* opportunity for a Research Officer or Senior Research Officer to contribute to a variety of funded projects. The successful candidate will work under the mentorship of experienced researchers in a vibrant and supportive environment.

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

Please see the position description available for more information.

About you | Ko wai koe

• A postgraduate qualification in Economics or another relevant quantitative discipline (e.g., data science, epidemiology, statistics).
• Strong empirical skills and experience with large linked administrative datasets and/or large-scale surveys.
• Ability to identify, critically assess, and synthesise relevant literature.
• A demonstrated interest in labour, health, education, or social policy.
• High competency in statistical software such as Stata, SQL, R, or similar tools.
• Ability to create clear and engaging dashboards (e.g., R Shiny, Power BI) and visually appealing infographics (e.g., Canva, Visme).

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.

Working under the mentorship of experienced researchers in a vibrant and supportive environment, your research outcomes will have real impact on the world.

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.

Appointment at the Senior Research Officer level will require a higher level of relevant experience and a track record of delivering high-quality outputs.

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:

• Opportunity to work on research with real-world impact and to contribute to evidence-based policymaking.
• Skills development in a collaborative and dynamic research setting.
• Opportunities to present findings at conferences and publish reports and journal articles, contributing to the academic and policy discourse.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• 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.
• 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 the selection criteria.

Appointment at the Senior Research Officer level will require a higher level of relevant experience and a track record of delivering high-quality outputs.

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: $70,000 - $100,000 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: 24 Mar 2026 11:55pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94844

*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.