Kairuruku | Postdoctoral Research Fellow

• Do you have a PhD in ovarian biology or a related field?
• Can you work as both an independent and collaborative researcher?
• Are you interested in contributing to research with real-world impact on infertility?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Kairuruku - Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ovarian Biology on a 12-month fixed-term, full-time contract. 

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to ovarian follicle biology research investigating the underlying mechanisms of ovulation failure.
• Conduct bioinformatics analysis, primary cell culture, and in vitro follicle development assays.
• Manage day-to-day lab operations and supervise students.
• Contribute to research dissemination activities including manuscript preparation and relevant community engagement activities (e.g., fono).

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The Kairuruku - Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be appointed full-time for 12 months between February 2026 and January 2027. The Fellow will be part of Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora - School of Biological Sciences and will be based in Dr Zaramasina Clark’s lab in Te Toki a Rata, Kelburn Campus.

You will:

• Have been awarded a PhD or submitted your thesis for examination, at the application closing date. The thesis should be in ovarian biology, cell biology or a relevant field. Experience in bioinformatics, advanced microscopy, RNA in situ hybridisation and flow cytometry are highly desirable.
• Already have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Travel costs are not included so applicants must already be in Wellington or be willing to relocate at their own expense.
• Be able to work as both an independent and collaborative researcher within our multidisciplinary research group where our work is underpinned by a commitment to equity and Pacific health advancement. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research with real-world impact on infertility.

Key requirements:

• A PhD in ovarian biology or relevant field.
• Demonstrated ability to collect/analyse data and communicate research findings.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• An interest in student supervision and mentorship.
• An understanding of the unique research context in Aotearoa New Zealand including our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the contributions of diverse knowledge systems including mātauranga Māori and Pacific epistemologies.

It is not expected that any one candidate will have all of these skills, but we are interested in the unique combination that you will bring to our multidisciplinary team.  

Role Description - Click here to see further information, including salary details. 

Close date for vacancy: 30 September 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Dr Zaramasina Clark (zaramasina.clark@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. We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa.  

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.