Postdoctoral Fellow Research Fellow

Auckland - New Zealand

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 06-11-2025

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Te Whiwhinga mahi The opportunity

Based in the department of Physiology this role is responsible for performing research at an international level on defined projects and contributing to the intellectual environment of the research group and the department. Specifically identifying new therapeutic targets for diabetic heart disease.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research fellow to work in the field of cardiology molecular discovery. Successful applicants will be a part of a dynamic team with a mission to understand how the heart responds to metabolic stress and discover novel molecular targets to test new therapeutic interventions for diabetic heart disease.

This project is in the field of pre-clinical discoveries in cardiology with a focus on diabetic cardiomyopathy metabolism and failure. The early occurrence of diastolic dysfunction in otherwise healthy asymptomatic diabetic patients has been extensively reported and is prognostic of later occurrence of heart failure and increased mortality. There are currently no evidence-based treatments for diastolic dysfunction and our goal is to identify novel mechanisms with therapeutic value.

This role will enable an outstanding emerging scientist to undertake research in Dr Kim Mellors lab at the University of Auckland in collaboration with other members of the Cardiac Research Consortium in Melbourne Prof Lea Delbridge Dr Kate Weeks and Dr Jim Bell. This project will involve work with experimental models of disease and clinical biopsy samples and employs a range of innovative state-of-the-art techniques including:

gene editing (Crispr) & gene therapy (AAV)
VEVO high frequency ultrasound echocardiography
cardiomyocyte live cell imaging
isolated heart perfusions
proteomics metabolomics gene profiling
cell culture of cardiomyocytes

Specific areas of research include:

diastolic dysfunction
cardiac metabolism
signalling regulation & post-translational modification of proteins
cardiac function (echocardiography)
cardiomyocyte mechanics and Ca handling (live cell imaging)

This position is for researchers who have completed a PhD preferably in the field of cardiac or cardiovascular physiology. Technical expertise in molecular biology cardiac function evaluation cardiomyocyte live cell imaging and/or isolated heart preparations is highly desired.

The lab is funded by competitive grants from the Health Research Council NZ and Marsden Fund New Zealand.

This is a fulltime (40 hours per week) 24-month fixed term role.

Remuneration: PDF1 to RF3 ($90405 - $104175) per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

For more detailed information please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu About you

We are looking for an eager and enthusiastic scientist with evidence of a quality publication record with excellent communication skills and willingness to provide leadership.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealands leading university and maintains significant computational laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the worlds 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 several 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 4 December 2025 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Dr Kim Mellor via for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information :

To be considered for this role you must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid New Zealand work visa.

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 LGBTQITakatāpui people with disabilities parenting support flexible work and other equity issues go to .

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

Remote Work :

Employment Type :

Contract

Te Whiwhinga mahi The opportunity Based in the department of Physiology this role is responsible for performing research at an international level on defined projects and contributing to the intellectual environment of the research group and the department. Specifically identifying new therapeutic...