Assistant Research Fellow - Physiotherapy

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SCHOOL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY | TE KURA KŌMIRI PAI
FACULTY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMMES | TE KAUPEKA O KĀ HŌTAKA KAIMAHI HAUORA

Who we are/Ko wai mātou

The School of Physiotherapy is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice. Situated within the University of Otago's Faculty of Health Professional Programmes, the School is committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes through high-quality, impactful research.

Research and knowledge transfer are key elements of the School's activities managed through our dedicated Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research (CHARR).

The role/Te mahi

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised Assistant Research Fellow to join an exciting Health Research Council-funded clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation for people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

This fixed-term position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a large-scale, multi-site randomised controlled trial. Working closely with the Principal Investigators, Associate Professor Ramakrishnan Mani and Dr Sharon Awatere, you will coordinate all aspects of study set-up, delivery, monitoring, and reporting.

Key responsibilities include:

•    Leading day-to-day coordination of the clinical trial and project activities.
•    Managing governance, ethics, and regulatory documentation.
•    Coordinating participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, and retention activities.
•    Developing and managing study data collection systems, including REDCap.
•    Supporting intervention delivery across both telehealth and in-person settings.
•    Coordinating communication and collaboration across multiple research sites and stakeholder groups.
•    Monitoring trial progress, data quality, and reporting requirements.
•    Contributing to dissemination activities and research outputs.

Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

To be successful in this role, you will have:

•    A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or professional background in health, clinical research, or a related discipline.
•    At least two years' experience in research, ideally within health, public service, or policy settings.
•    Experience in project coordination and administration, preferably within clinical research environments.
•    Excellent organisational, communication, and relationship management skills.
•    Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and database management systems such as REDCap.
•    The ability to work independently while managing multiple deadlines and priorities.
•    A commitment to maintaining high standards of confidentiality, data management, and research integrity.
•    An interest in improving health outcomes, access, and equity for diverse populations.

Experience coordinating clinical trials, particularly those involving telehealth and group-based interventions, would be advantageous. Knowledge of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga and/or Pacific languages and cultural protocols would also be valued.

Further details/Pūroko

This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), fixed-term position available from September 2026 for three years, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The successful candidate will be appointed to an appropriate step on the Assistant Research Fellow salary scale, based on skills, experience and qualifications. The salary range for an Assistant Research Fellow is $62,496 to $84,125 pro rata.

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

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

If you are looking for an exciting new opportunity and would like to learn more about the project, then please contact Associate Professor Ramakrishnan (Ram) Mani via the contact details below.

Application/Tono

Candidates are requested to submit the following:
• CV
• Cover letter
• Names and email addresses of at least three referees

To submit your application please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2601179 will close on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

Additional Information 

Note\: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Contact: Associate Professor Ramakrishnan Mani

Position details: Information Statement

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin