AI Lab Research Fellow - Planning, Funding & Outcomes at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Fixed term, full-time role available anywhere in Aotearoa
• Be part of a cutting-edge AI research programme within the health system
• Contribute to research that supports equity, better healthcare, and improved patient outcomes

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora AI Lab, supporting nationally significant research exploring how artificial intelligence can be safely and effectively implemented within the health system. In this role, you will help deliver two Health Research Council–funded research projects evaluating AI tools in radiology and diabetic retinal screening services across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will support the coordination and delivery of research activities across these projects, working alongside clinicians, researchers, and health leaders across the country. This will include contributing to study design, ethics processes, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, and reporting. The work will help generate evidence to inform how AI technologies can improve diagnostic services, increase access to screening, and support better health outcomes and equity for communities.

About the Team

The AI Lab sits within Health New Zealand's Planning, Funding & Outcomes directorate and leads research exploring the safe, effective, and equitable use of artificial intelligence across the health system. The team works closely with clinicians, academic partners, and health service leaders to evaluate emerging technologies and translate research findings into practical improvements in healthcare delivery.

You will be joining a collaborative and forward-thinking team focused on generating high-quality evidence to support national decision-making and improve outcomes for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

About you

As a Researcher within the AI Lab, you will bring strong research coordination skills and experience supporting complex projects in academic or health settings.

• A relevant postgraduate qualification with a research component (e.g. PhD, master's thesis)
• At least 2 years' research experience in an academic or health environment
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organisational and project coordination capability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
• Experience supporting research activities such as literature reviews, ethics applications, data collection and analysis, and dissemination
• Strong communication and relationship management skills
• Understanding of, and commitment to applying, the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
• A keen interesting in emerging technologies and pragmatic research designs.

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.   

How to Apply 

To apply, please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 11:59PM Monday 6 April 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on lynda.francis@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.