Research Technician

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Technician to join the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. This role plays a key part in supporting pre‑clinical research focused on treatments for Huntington’s disease, providing hands‑on technical expertise in small animal surgery, behavioural testing, and animal welfare. You’ll work closely with academic staff and students in a collaborative, research‑intensive environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support and assist staff and students with rodent stereotaxic surgery, following approved protocols and ethical requirements
• Undertake motor and cognitive functional testing in accordance with standard procedures
• Provide pre‑ and post‑operative care and ongoing animal welfare monitoring
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation, including SOPs and animal welfare records
• Assist with ordering animals, booking facilities and equipment, and monitoring stock levels
• Ensure surgical and behavioural facilities and equipment are maintained, safe, and fit for purpose
• Contribute positively to team communication, meetings, and shared knowledge

This is a fulltime, fixed-term (30 months) position.

The salary range for this role is $63,600 - $76,000 based on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a detail‑focused and reliable research professional who enjoys working in a laboratory environment and supporting high‑quality research outcomes. You bring a mature and sensitive approach to working with animals, strong organisational skills, and a collaborative mindset. You communicate clearly, work well with diverse groups, and take pride in maintaining high standards of compliance and care.

You will bring:

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in biological sciences, with at least one years experience in small animal surgery and behavioural testing
• Proven experience with rodent stereotaxic surgery
• Experience in motor and cognitive functional testing and animal welfare monitoring
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good organisational, time‑management, and prioritisation abilities

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home if feasible, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 7 May 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Bronwen Connor, via b.connor@auckland.ac.nz, for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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