Postdoctoral Fellow

Work within a nationally recognised research institute focused on addressing major chronic disease challenges.

• Advance research into chronic disease and co-morbidities 
• Engage with national and international research networks and partners
• 3-year fixed-term academic position based in Hamilton 

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role 

The Institute for Chronic Disease Research (ICDR) seeks to appoint an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to our growing programme of research focused on chronic disease prevention, management, and health outcomes.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will undertake and contribute to a range of research projects aligned with the strategic priorities of the Institute for Chronic Disease Research. Working closely with senior researchers and collaborators, the successful candidate will be involved in all stages of the research process, including study design, data collection and analysis, dissemination of findings, and preparation of funding applications.

The appointee will play a key role in advancing the Institute's research programme and contributing to its national and international research profile.

This is an opportunity to contribute to transdisciplinary research that examines chronic disease, co-morbidities and intersecting conditions, including research grounded in culturally specific and place-based knowledge. The role will also support collaboration across the University and help build research capability within the ICDR. 

Salary will be based on the skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), fixed term for 3 years, based on our Hilcrest Campus. 

For more information on the role please see the position description. Applicants should submit a cover letter addressing the selection criteria, a current curriculum vitae and the contact details for at least two academic referees.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Professor Ralph Maddison, Director, Institute for Chronic Disease Research, at ralph.maddison@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted. 

Ko wai koe? – Who are you? 

You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as public health, epidemiology, health sciences, medicine, biostatistics, health services research or a related field, together with demonstrated experience conducting independent research.

You bring a track record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to your career stage, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and experience preparing scientific reports, publications and presentations. You can contribute across the research process, from developing research plans and methods through to data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting.

You are an effective communicator who can build productive relationships with academic colleagues, research partners and other stakeholders. You work well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, manage projects and competing priorities effectively, and bring a proactive, professional and collaborative approach to your work.

Experience in chronic disease research, advanced quantitative or qualitative methods, large health datasets or clinical research projects would be an advantage. Experience contributing to grant applications, and supervising or mentoring students or early career researchers, would also be valuable.

You will also demonstrate commitment to equal opportunity and to the University’s partnership with Māori as intended by the Treaty of Waitangi.

Don’t meet every single requirement? 

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team. 

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Institute for Chronic Disease Research is the first research institute in New Zealand to focus on the combined factors that contribute to chronic disease. Its work spans the economic and social impacts of chronic health conditions, with benefits intended for whānau, local communities and wider New Zealand society. 

The ICDR supports cutting-edge, transdisciplinary and transformational health research. Its interwoven structure of platforms and pillars enables research into co-morbidities and intersecting chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, mental health and cancer. Māori and Pacific perspectives are threaded across the Institute’s research, supporting culturally specific and place-based knowledge. The Institute builds on existing research strengths, supports collaboration across the University and helps develop researchers from postgraduate level through to future research leadership. 

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position? 

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko Te Tangata – For the People 

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. 

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close 30 October 2026

Requisition number:1003940