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 510 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

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below.

Applications quoting reference numberwill 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