Research Technician - Surgery and Critical Care
Approved
Salary not disclosed — see roles that show pay.
About the role
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY AND CRITICAL CARE, DUNEDIN | TE TARI HĀPARAPARA, TE TARI WHĀOMOOMO
DUNEDIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE | TE KURA WHAIORA A ŌTEPOTI
• Are you interested in the outcomes of exercise on postoperative care?
• Do you like working independently as part of a larger group?
• Do you have great interpersonal and organisational skills?
• Are you looking for part-time, flexible work?
About our team/Mō te tīma
The Department of Surgical Sciences excels in clinical teaching and training, linking science with clinical research, and developing our discipline nationally and internationally. Our dynamic research group, based in Dunedin Hospital, is conducting a range of innovative clinical research projects focused on improving surgical outcomes.
The role/Te mahi
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to support several ongoing studies. This is an exciting opportunity to work across diverse clinical areas and contribute to meaningful improvements in patient care. Key responsibilities include:
• Training and testing for a HIIT-based project aimed at improving postoperative outcomes.
• Recruit patients; schedule interviews and assist with data collection.
• Sign up participants, collect clinical data, and take rectal swabs for a colorectal surgery study.
• Enlist patients, collect urine samples, and coordinate with the K9MD team.
Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
You will have some understanding of health issues, gained through relevant study or experience (e.g. as a medical, physiotherapy, or nursing student, or as a health assistant). Key will be your excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport with patients and interact with compassion and tact. You will be able to work independently and have initiative in problem solving.
• Hold a current first aid certificate.
• Strong organisation and time management skills with meticulous record-keeping.
• Proficiency in common computer applications.
• Excellent communication skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptability to changing research needs.
• Flexibility to work outside core hours when required.
Further details/Pūroko
This is a fixed-term, variable-hours position (with a guaranteed minimum of 15 hours per week) based in Dunedin, ending on 30 June 2027.
Actual hours may vary depending on participant availability and project needs and will be scheduled in consultation with the successful candidate. There is scope for hours to exceed the minimum hours with the possibility of the maximum number of hours over the term of the contract being up to 30 hours a week.
The appointment range for this role is $63,508 to $68,185 Top of Range $73,640 (pro rata).
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.
The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.
Specific inquiries regarding the role can be directed to Dr Kari Clifford, Department of Surgical Sciences, via the contact details below.
Application/Tono
To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2601411 will close on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
Applications will be reviewed as submitted and candidates may be invited to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
Additional Information
Contact: Dr Kari Clifford
Position details: Job Description
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin
Primary Location
NZL-SI-Dunedin
Employment Status
Fixed Term
Salary Level and Range
Level 4 (Range of Appointments $63,508 to $68,185, Top of Range $73,640)
Organisation
Surgery and Critical Care
Job Function
Medical and Science Technicians
DUNEDIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE | TE KURA WHAIORA A ŌTEPOTI
• Are you interested in the outcomes of exercise on postoperative care?
• Do you like working independently as part of a larger group?
• Do you have great interpersonal and organisational skills?
• Are you looking for part-time, flexible work?
About our team/Mō te tīma
The Department of Surgical Sciences excels in clinical teaching and training, linking science with clinical research, and developing our discipline nationally and internationally. Our dynamic research group, based in Dunedin Hospital, is conducting a range of innovative clinical research projects focused on improving surgical outcomes.
The role/Te mahi
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to support several ongoing studies. This is an exciting opportunity to work across diverse clinical areas and contribute to meaningful improvements in patient care. Key responsibilities include:
• Training and testing for a HIIT-based project aimed at improving postoperative outcomes.
• Recruit patients; schedule interviews and assist with data collection.
• Sign up participants, collect clinical data, and take rectal swabs for a colorectal surgery study.
• Enlist patients, collect urine samples, and coordinate with the K9MD team.
Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
You will have some understanding of health issues, gained through relevant study or experience (e.g. as a medical, physiotherapy, or nursing student, or as a health assistant). Key will be your excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport with patients and interact with compassion and tact. You will be able to work independently and have initiative in problem solving.
• Hold a current first aid certificate.
• Strong organisation and time management skills with meticulous record-keeping.
• Proficiency in common computer applications.
• Excellent communication skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptability to changing research needs.
• Flexibility to work outside core hours when required.
Further details/Pūroko
This is a fixed-term, variable-hours position (with a guaranteed minimum of 15 hours per week) based in Dunedin, ending on 30 June 2027.
Actual hours may vary depending on participant availability and project needs and will be scheduled in consultation with the successful candidate. There is scope for hours to exceed the minimum hours with the possibility of the maximum number of hours over the term of the contract being up to 30 hours a week.
The appointment range for this role is $63,508 to $68,185 Top of Range $73,640 (pro rata).
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.
The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.
Specific inquiries regarding the role can be directed to Dr Kari Clifford, Department of Surgical Sciences, via the contact details below.
Application/Tono
To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2601411 will close on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
Applications will be reviewed as submitted and candidates may be invited to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
Additional Information
Contact: Dr Kari Clifford
Position details: Job Description
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin
Primary Location
NZL-SI-Dunedin
Employment Status
Fixed Term
Salary Level and Range
Level 4 (Range of Appointments $63,508 to $68,185, Top of Range $73,640)
Organisation
Surgery and Critical Care
Job Function
Medical and Science Technicians