Postdoctoral Fellow - Anatomy

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY | TE TARI KIKOKIKO

FACULTY OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES | TE KAUPEKA MĀTAI ROKOĀ-KOIORA

Mō te tīma | About our team

Since its establishment in 1905, the Department Anatomy has grown to become one of the largest departments in the University. Our department makes major contributions to research nationally and internationally, and is a key contributor to the undergraduate and postgraduate education of students in science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical lab sciences, nutrition, and physical education. We are committed to excellence in both research and teaching. We also have a number of internationally recognised research groups led by experienced academic staff.

Te mahi | The project and role

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral researcher to lead a new project that will develop and apply cutting edge mitochondrial base editing technologies to explore the effects of mitochondrial mutations on phenotype and fitness.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow in our department, you will contribute to the research objectives of this externally funded Marsden project titled “Dissecting the Role of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations on Phenotype and Fitness Using Cutting-Edge Mitochondrial Base Editors”.

The key tasks of the role include:

• Developing and applying mitochondrial base editing technologies in fruit flies.
• Performing experimental laboratory work relating to the overall objectives of the research project and keeping accurate records.
• Analysing and writing up results for project reports, presentations, publications, and conferences.
• Assisting with the day-to-day running of the laboratory, and supervision and training of postgraduate students and staff.
• Assisting with writing grant applications and scientific papers that arise from research.
• Working collegially with the extended research team.
• Maintaining a detailed record of all work performed.

Kā pūkeka me kā wheako | Your skills and experience

We are seeking candidates who are self-motivated, with high ethical standards of work and strong problem-solving skills.

The successful candidate will also have:

• A PhD in genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, or similar.
• A publication record consistent with that of an active researcher performing at a high level for career stage.
• Demonstrated excellent time management, communication (written and oral), organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in all routine molecular genetic techniques, with knowledge of next generation sequencing, transcriptomics and gene expression analysis essential.
• Knowledge of mtDNA editing approaches would be extremely advantageous.
• Experience in database management, statistical and genetic analyses.
• Accurate record-keeping and attention to detail.
• The ability to work without direct supervision, set priorities and allocate own timetable.
• The ability to work well within in a team environment and help create a collegial, supportive, inclusive and motivating environment for staff and students.
• Proven ability to work well with students and staff from differing academic and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience with postgraduate student supervision would be advantageous.

Pūroko | Further details

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) fixed term (for 2.5 years, from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2029) position, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow is $92,350 per annum.

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.

For further information regarding the role, please contact Distinguished Professor Neil Gemmel via the contact details below.

Tono | Application

Candidates are requested to submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Letter of application that addresses your skills and experience relevant to the position.
• Date on which you would be available to take up the appointment.
• Names and email addresses of at least three referees.

Applications quoting reference number 2600760 will close on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.

Additional Information

Contact: Distinguished Professor Neil Gemmel

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

Primary Location

NZL-SI-Dunedin

Employment Status

Fixed Term

Salary Level and Range

Postdoctoral Fellow ($92,350)

Organisation

Anatomy

Job Function

Research