Job Description

• Have you got a PhD in a relevant field?
• Are you a strong team player with excellent communication skills?
• Can you successfully conduct routine analysis, experimental and investigatory work?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

We are seeking a qualified and highly motivated Kairuruku - Research Fellow in Chemical Research with ambition to develop their research career within an academic R&D environment and the ability to conceptualise and originate new ideas that are outside industry norms. This is an 18-month fixed-term, full-time contract within the Paihau - Robinson team.

Paihau - Robinson works closely with commercial partners and carry out mission-oriented R&D and you should have the desire to see your work implemented with partners. You will provide research assistance to the Clean Materials team at the Paihau - Robinson Research Institute as well as the Zero Alcohol project as part of the Ferrier Research Institute.

Key responsibilities:

• Work safely in multi-user laboratory settings, where other users may be performing active experiments.
• Successfully conducts a range of defined tasks within scientific and/or engineering projects under supervision.
• Conducts routine analysis, experimental and investigatory work according to an agreed research plan in a logical, methodical manner.
• Communicates in written and oral formats the outcomes of projects to colleagues, collaborators and clients as appropriate.
• Keeps up to date with science and engineering advances within their areas of expertise.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The preferred candidate will:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant field.
• Bring a positive attitude to staff and students alike and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Have excellent communication skills and a passion for detail-orientated work.
• Have practical implementation skills.
• Be a strong team player able to work closely with collaborators from multiple partner organisations.
• Be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers.

Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 27 July 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Kaitlyn Mallinder (kaitlyn.mallinder@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise