Casual Study Doctor – Neurogenetics

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland, New Zealand’s leading university, is inviting applications for a casual Sub-Investigator in neurogenetics. The university supports more than 46,000 students and employs thousands across six faculties and several research institutes, fostering a culture that values excellence in teaching and discovery. The Neurogenetic Research Clinic, part of the Centre for Brain Research, chairs international collaborations and clinical trials aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for people with inherited neurological conditions. Assessments take place at the Clinical Research Centre (Building 507, Grafton) and involve a multidisciplinary team working with pharmaceutical sponsors and global partners. The team is led by Associate Professor Richard Roxburgh and includes neurophysiologists, research nurses, physiotherapists, genetic counsellors and study coordinators. The current projects cover Phase 3 trials for focal epilepsy and myotonic dystrophy, as well as observational studies to validate clinical outcomes, characterise phenotypes and identify biomarkers. Equity is a cornerstone of the university’s approach, with information available at the equity office.

A day in the neurogenetic research clinic

After completing training in the specified neurological tests, you’ll conduct assessments in line with study protocols. The role focuses on participant eligibility, informed consent, medical histories and medication reviews, followed by protocol-driven physical and neurological examinations. Documentation under Good Clinical Practice is a core part of the workflow, and you’ll monitor safety by reviewing laboratory results and ECGs while communicating any clinically relevant findings to participants and their healthcare teams. You’ll also perform protocol-specific procedures when trained, such as venepuncture and the use of rating scales that require certification, and you’ll work with study software to capture data accurately. Collaboration is constant, working with study coordinators, allied health professionals and international partners, to keep trials running smoothly and to maintain up-to-date GCP qualifications. You’ll respond to queries from study monitors as part of maintaining rigorous trial standards.

For clinical trials in particular, additional tasks involve overseeing investigational products and their administration when required, addressing concerns that arise during IP infusions, and being available to respond to emergencies. You’ll assess events to decide whether they are adverse or serious adverse events and take appropriate steps to safeguard participant wellbeing. The role sits within a multidisciplinary environment that values careful observation, clear communication and a steady eye for detail, and provides a pathway to deepen expertise in neurological assessment and trial operations.

Key qualifications and preferred extras

Essential qualifications

• Active registration and a current practising certificate with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• At least three years of postgraduate clinical experience
• Strong skills in clinical assessment and clear, compassionate communication
• Good organisational abilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary team
• Current professional indemnity insurance and up-to-date CPR

Desirable qualifications

• Background in General Practice or Neurology
• Interest in or experience with clinical research
• Current GCP certification
• Experience with neurological examination and assessment
• Experience working with people living with chronic neurological disorders

Pay, perks and practical details

The opportunity is onsite in Auckland and offered on a casual basis within the Neurogenetic Research Clinic, supporting international trials and collaborations. The role emphasizes direct patient assessment, protocol adherence and collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, with participation in both interventional and observational studies. The clinical environment is anchored at the Clinical Research Centre in Grafton, where assessments for research in partnership with global sponsors take place. While the posting outlines the responsibilities and qualifications clearly, it does not include salary information or a formal benefits package.

Tips for applicants

Showcase your credentials up front by placing your NZ Medical Council registration and practising certificate at the top of your CV, followed by evidence of your three or more years of postgrad clinical experience. Give concrete examples of how you’ve performed neurological assessments and documented findings in line with GCP, including any involvement with venepuncture or pharmacological safety monitoring. Be prepared to discuss times you’ve worked within a multidisciplinary team and how you’ve managed safety monitoring, including review of labs and ECGs, in a study setting. Demonstrate your experience with coordinating with study staff and international partners, and highlight any prior exposure to clinical research and neurologic conditions.

During interviews, be ready to recount a situation where you had to adjudicate adverse events or serious adverse events in a trial, detailing how you communicated risks to participants and maintained protocol integrity. Have clear examples of how you’ve maintained GCP qualifications and kept up with required certifications; if you hold a current GCP certificate, bring it up and describe how you’ve applied it in practice. Also be prepared to talk about the specific neurological tests you’ve mastered and the certifications you hold for rating scales, as these are listed as part of the role’s scope.

When considering questions to ask, focus on the practicalities of trial work and training. Ask which neurological rating scales are most frequently used in the current trials and what certification is needed before you start. Inquire about how safety concerns are triaged during IP infusion episodes and what support structures exist for monitoring emergencies. Finally, you could ask about opportunities for ongoing professional development and how the team handles data quality and cross-site collaboration with international partners.

Submitting your application

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 25 October 2026, with a cover letter and CV that illustrate how you meet the skills and experiences described above. For a confidential conversation, you can reach out to Sarah Nagar at [email protected]. Note that applications sent by email are not accepted.