Senior Research Technician - Fixed term - School of Pharmacy

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

About the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

Our faculty is home to over 4,000 students across six schools, led by world-renowned researchers, educators, and health professionals. The School of Pharmacy is internationally recognized, ranked #54 worldwide in the 2024 QS World University Rankings for Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

You will join a warm and welcoming team based in the School of Pharmacy, located within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023. Our team is dedicated to advancing research in spinal cord injury treatments and is composed of passionate researchers and professionals who collaborate closely to achieve our goals. We value open communication, teamwork, and a supportive work environment.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Research Technician to support research on spinal cord injury treatments. You will assist Dr. Jarred Griffin within Prof. Darren Svirskis' lab group in the Department of Pharmacy.

This research focuses on developing and testing therapeutic interventions to restore function after paralytic injuries.

The reason for fixed term is due to the team successfully obtaining a grant from Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide advanced technical support for research operations.
• Assist with rodent surgeries and behavioural testing.
• Preform routine laboratory work such as cryosectioning and histology
• Manage laboratory tasks, order consumables, and prepare finance reports.

Position Details:

• Full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term role ending on the 30th of June 2026.
• Immediate start required.
• Salary range: $72,000 - $88,900, depending on experience.

Please view the position link for more information about the role.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our ideal candidate will have a tertiary qualification and experience as a Senior Research Technician in the biological/medical research field. Previous experience with laboratory animal handling and/or surgical skills is preferred but not essential. Experience with lab work, including cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, and molecular biology, is also preferred.

Essential:

• Lab management skills
• MSc or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in animal handling, surgery, and post-op care.
• Ability to work outside normal hours when required due to animal care responsibilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
• Maintaining clear, open, and frequent communication to ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and seamless project progress.

Preferred:

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience with cell culture, image analysis, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry.

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, 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 Thursday 8th of May 2025 (NZST) to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found.

Please reach out to Jarred Griffin on [email protected] 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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Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz