Research Assistant - Bioethics

DEPARTMENT OF BIOETHICS

FACULTY OF MEDICINE – DUNEDIN | TE KAUPEKA WHAIORA – ŌTEPOTI

About our team/Mō te tīma

The Department of Bioethics is in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Otago. Our interdisciplinary research addresses ethical, legal and social questions in medicine, healthcare, and technology. We deliver comprehensive medical ethics and professionalism programmes to medical, dental, pharmacy, oral health and physiotherapy students, and teach into a range of other academic programmes at the University of Otago.

The role/Te mahi

We are seeking expressions of interest for the position of Research Assistant, to work alongside Associate Professor Josephine Johnston, Head of Department in the Department of Bioethics.

This role will include:

• Conducting background research and literature reviews to support academic projects
• Managing citations and assist with manuscript preparation and submission
• Supporting the development of conference presentations and abstract submissions
• Assisting with preparing external funding applications and grant-related materials
• Contributing research on current and emerging bioethics topics
• Providing general support for publication, research, and grant management activities as needed.

Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for candidates with the following attributes:

• A relevant tertiary qualification (completed or in progress)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an interest in academic research
• Strong computer literacy, including experience with standard research (e.g. Endnote or other citation management software) and document tools
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment
• Proven ability to work independently, use initiative, prioritise tasks, and manage workload with minimal supervision

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in academic or applied research (e.g. enrolled in or completion of a qualification or degree with a research component (e.g. Honours or Postgraduate Diploma)

Further details/Pūroko

This is a fixed term (12 month), variable hours, time sheeted position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

Hours of work will be between 5–10 hours per week, depending on workload and project needs.

The appointment range for a Research Assistant is $27.26 to $32.87 per hour.

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

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.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Associate Professor Josephine Johnston, Head of Department via the contact details below.

Application/Tono

Applications quoting reference number 2600886 will close on Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Applications will be considered as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time. #LI-DNI

Additional Information

Contact: Associate Professor Josephine Johnston

Position details: Job Description

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

Research Assistant ($27.26 to $32.87 per hour)

Organisation

Bioethics

Job Function

Research Assistant