Jobs: Senior Research Fellow – Auckland

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH INNOVATION, THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW IN ADDICTIONS

POSITION – The National Institute for Health Innovation (NIHI) at the University of Auckland’s School of Population Health invites applications for an experienced research position at the rank of Senior Research Fellow.

QUALIFICATIONS – Candidates for the position must have a doctoral degree in the area of epidemiology or public health and/or relevant professional qualification. with at least two years of experience in a previous relevant position. All research interests related to behavioral and community health, including medicine, will be considered. The successful candidate must demonstrate a record of scholarship and professional achievement, a good publication record, and evidence of success in obtaining grant funding. Preference will be given to candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to community-based research and practice, publications and an ability to initiate and implement new research projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES – The primary objective will be to initiate the development of new research ideas within the Addictions area of research. In this varied and interesting position, key tasks will include initiating new research ideas through the development of projects, writing grant applications, designing and assisting with the conduct of research studies, working with relevant parties to ensure the initial set up of a study is successful, and writing research publications for submission to refereed journals. The successful applicant must have working experience with statistical and word processing packages, experience in project management, team leadership and teaching, and it is preferred they have experience designing and running phase III clinical trials, ideally in smoking cessation/tobacco control and/or alcohol.

COMPENSATION AND RANK – This is a 2 year month Fixed Term position based at the University of Auckland. Ideally the successful candidate would be available to start in April 2013. Rank and compensation are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

INSTITUTE – NIHI is a multi-disciplinary group of health researchers with an international reputation for studies into the causes, prevention and treatment of health problems. NIHI has particular strengths in interventions research, especially in behavioural, community change and policy strategies, addictions, nutrition and physical activity and chronic disease prevention, treatment and management. A fast growing area of leadership is in the areas of health information technology, specifically mHealth and ‘big data’. NIHI researchers collaborate with other departments in the School of Population Health, other Schools within the faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and other university Faculties. NIHI has wide international networks and active collaborations with leading researchers and research groups around the world, with a growing focus on low and middle-income nations. NIHI is managed by Auckland UniServices Ltd, the largest research and development company in the Southern Hemisphere, and a wholly owned arm of The University of Auckland. Further details about NIHI can be seen on our website – www.nihi.auckland.ac.nz

ADDICTIONS RESEARCH AT NIHI – The Addiction Research Programme at NIHI primarily focuses on tobacco control and smoking cessation research. Although New Zealand has made great progress over the past 60 years in reducing the prevalence of smoking, a ‘business as usual’ approach to tobacco control in New Zealand will not be sufficient to reach the government’s 2025 target to be a smokefree nation – thus, bold, innovative strategies are required. The NIHI Addiction team’s focus is on reducing tobacco demand through improving access to and determining the effectiveness of cessation products and strategies. The group specialises in the conduct of large, community-based phase III clinical trials. Examples of the types of research undertaken can be found here – http://www.nihi.auckland.ac.nz/page/our-addiction-research. The group is also developing expertise around interventions for alcohol.

UNIVERSITY – The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most successful and highest ranked university. The University is located in Auckland, a coastal city of 1.5 million people with a very moderate, coastal climate.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES – Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their background and experience, a curriculum vitae including grant-funded research and publications, and contact information for three referees to:

Chris Bullen, MB ChB, MPH (Hons), Ph.D.
Director and Associate Professor in Public Health
National Institute for Health Innovation
The University of Auckland
School of Population Health
Private Bag 92019
Auckland Mail Centre
Auckland
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +6493737599 ext 84730
Email: c.bullen@nihi.auckland.ac.nz