Research Specialist at University of Canterbury, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed term position
• Salary range NZ$94,248 - NZ$108,354 p.a.

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te "Ahumahi Rangahau Tohunga i roto i te atahanga roro tangata" Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

The School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing has an opportunity for an Industry Specialist Position to co-lead a research project, "Thalamus: New insights into its role in cognitive decline in dementia of the Alzheimer's type and in Parkinson's disease."

We seek a highly motivated individual with a research background in contemporary methods of segmentation of thalamic nuclei and their related neurocircuits derived from human MRI brain imaging.

In this role you will undertake research to examine the volume of thalamic nuclei and related neuroimaging outputs. Specifically, you will work to develop and validate methods for assessing the association between thalamic and clinical variables in two neurodegenerative conditions.

The fellowship is externally-funded for up to two years. You will have completed a PhD in human brain imaging and cognition or a closely related subject. Applicants nearing completion of their PhD in the stated subject area will also be considered.

To be successful in this role you will have demonstrated relevant expertise through multiple international publications in excellent scientific journals, have excellent communication skills and written English, strong quantitative and data analysis skills, the ability to work creatively in a team environment and independently, and a strong general research background.

You will be mentored by Professor John Dalrymple-Alford and located at the New Zealand Brain Research Institute, allied to the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. The position will also involve extensive collaboration with project partners at the New Zealand Brain Research Institute, the New Zealand Dementia Prevention Research Clinics, and allied colleagues in France.

Mōu | Who You Are

To be successful in this position you will ideally have the following:

• Experience in segmentation and analysis of the human thalamus is essential
• A strong research background human brain MRI
• Expertise in cognitive neuropsychology
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills
• A relevant publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
• A relevant PhD
• A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
• The ability to work creatively, both in a team environment and independently.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

Professor John Dalrymple-Alford and Associate Professor Tracy Melzer, Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury.

For more information about our School and team, please visit us here: https://www.nzbri.org/

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Supportive working environment
• Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite café's and eateries, and more

For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

The closing date for this position is: 21 May 2025 (midnight, NZ time)
Applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.  Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz 

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Professor John Dalrymple-Alford jc.dalrymple-alford@canterburyac.nz to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.

Please Note: Preference will be given to people with existing expertise and a completed PhD. Candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant Doctoral qualification, will also be considered. Upon appointment, if the Doctoral qualification is yet to be awarded, the title of Research Associate will be applied and the salary will reflect the lower end of the salary scale.

Appointable salary for the Industry Research Specialist will be NZ$94,248 (pa) - NZ$108,354 (pa).

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand. 

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