__________
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN NUTRITION | TE TARI KAI TŌTIKA TAKATA
About our team/Mō te tīma
The Department of Human Nutrition at the University of Otago is the longest-established department of its kind at a New Zealand university and is widely recognised as one of the leading nutrition departments in the Southern Hemisphere.
We are the only university in New Zealand to offer a comprehensive Sport and Exercise Nutrition programme at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our undergraduate offerings also include specialisations in Foodservice Management and International Nutrition.
The Role/Te mahi
We are seeking an Assistant Research Fellow to join the Department of Human Nutrition, based in Dunedin. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a Health Research Council-funded exploratory study examining the strengths and harms of digital wellbeing, with a particular focus on Pacific male experiences and attitudes relating to online gaming and gambling, social media use and addiction, and pornography. Future phases of the research will explore topics such as disordered eating and the impact of food advertising.
The successful candidate will also support data collection, analysis, and dissemination for two additional projects:
• Pacific experiences of infertility and barriers to accessing assisted reproductive technologies
• The role of religiosity during the COVID-19 pandemic
This role offers valuable experience in community-informed, culturally grounded qualitative research, supporting work that aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
The successful candidate will have the ability to use computerised information systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases, and Google Docs and be should also be familiar with blogs and social media. In addition, the candidate is expected to have:
• A Master’s degree (preferred).
• Experience in relevant research techniques and, where appropriate, statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of research activities and impacts.
• Project management skills, with a results-focused approach and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities effectively.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to the position.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills, with a proven ability to engage in a professional and approachable manner with staff, students, and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Commitment to upholding the University’s core values related to support and success of Māori and Pacific students, aligned with the University’s Māori Strategic Framework and Pacific Strategic Framework.
Further details/ Pūroko
This is a part-time (0.8 FTE), fixed term position for 12 months, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.
The appointment range (pro rata, per annum) for the position is:
Assistant Research Fellow position is $62,496 to $84,125
The University of Otago is well known for its collegiality and, combined with living in the vibrant city of Dunedin, provides opportunities for an excellent work-life balance. The Dunedin campus is ranked as one of the top 15 most beautiful in the world. The city has affordable living, excellent schools, and a great array of activities, ranging from Art and Literature to outdoor activities.
Specific enquiries may be directed to Dr Edmond Fehoko via the contact details below.
Application/ Tono
Candidates are requested to submit the following\:
• A CV
• A cover letter
• Names and email addresses of at least three referees
To submit your application please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2500968 will close on Sunday, 20 July 2025.
Additional Information
Note\: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.
Contact: Dr Edmond Fehoko
Position details: Information Statement
Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin