University of Otago
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Parasitology, Marine Pollution Ecology and Seabird Conservation University of Otago in New Zealand
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Fixed-term, part-time employment at 0.52 FTE for 18 months, based in Dunedin. The position is funded through a Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Fast-Start grant. The listed full-time salary is NZ$92,350 annually, with the part-time salary paid on a pro-rata basis.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
New Zealand
University
University of Otago
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About this position
The University of Otago’s Department of Zoology invites applications for a fixed-term, part-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in parasitology, marine pollution ecology, wildlife health and conservation biology.
Funded by a Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Fast-Start grant titled “The gift of infection: using parasites to tackle marine pollution,” the project will investigate whether gastrointestinal parasites act as biofilters of environmental contaminants in marine ecosystems. The research will examine how parasites affect the accumulation of plastics and heavy metals in seabirds and whether infection may provide an unexpected protective function against pollution.
The successful researcher will work with seabird specimens obtained through collaborations with wildlife organisations, museums, mana whenua and conservation partners across Aotearoa New Zealand. Duties include seabird dissections, tissue collection, biological sample processing, contaminant quantification, ecological data analysis and statistical modelling. The fellow will also prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, present findings at conferences and engagement events, assist with postgraduate and undergraduate co-supervision, and support relationships with mana whenua and project collaborators.
Applicants should hold a PhD in parasitology, ecology, ecotoxicology, environmental science, chemistry, wildlife disease ecology or a related discipline. Experience with environmental contaminants—especially plastics or heavy metals—laboratory techniques, ecological statistics and independent research is desirable. The role is based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, New Zealand, at 0.52 FTE for 18 months, with a full-time equivalent salary of NZ$92,350. The expected start date is 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Applications quoting reference 2601610 must include a CV and cover letter and close on 30 November 2026.
Funding details
Fixed-term, part-time employment at 0.52 FTE for 18 months, based in Dunedin. The position is funded through a Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Fast-Start grant. The listed full-time salary is NZ$92,350 annually, with the part-time salary paid on a pro-rata basis.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in parasitology, ecology, ecotoxicology, environmental science, chemistry, wildlife disease ecology, or a related discipline. They must demonstrate independent research experience, laboratory experience relevant to ecological, toxicological, parasitological, or wildlife research, knowledge of statistical analysis and ecological data modelling, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Experience with environmental contaminants, particularly plastics and/or heavy metals, is highly desirable. Applicants should be willing to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the University of Otago Māori and Pacific Strategic Framework.
How to apply
Submit an application through the vacancy's Apply button, including a CV and cover letter. Quote reference number 2601610. Applications close 30 November 2026.
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Prepare your application
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.