Post Doctoral Fellow/Research Fellow - Liggins Institute

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The University of Auckland's Liggins Institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Fellow to join the Newborn Genomics Programme. This full-time, three-year fixed-term role sits at the crossroads of genomics, bioinformatics and precision medicine, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment for children with rare genetic disorders. You will conduct research, curate genetic data, analyse large genomic datasets, contribute to publications and funder reports, and support ethics and data management while mentoring postgraduate students. Requirements include a PhD in a related field, experience in genomics and high-throughput data analysis, and programming in Python or R on Linux HPC. Apply online by 3 September 2026 with a CV and cover letter; inquiries to Justin O’Sullivan are welcome, but applications must be submitted online. For a strong shot, tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasize translational impact, collaborative work, and your publication record.

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties, two large-scale research institutes and a number of professional service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

Our lecturers and health researchers are regarded as experts in their fields, frequently directing global research projects designed to better the lives of New Zealanders and the world, and in turn passing this knowledge on to our students.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The Liggins Institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join its Newborn Genomics Programme. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to research at the intersection of genomics, bioinformatics and precision medicine, supporting efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment pathways for children with rare genetic disorders. Working within a multidisciplinary research environment, you will contribute to both the computational and genetic curation components of genomic diagnosis and therapeutic design.

The Liggins Institute is internationally recognised for research focused on improving lifelong health through understanding the impact of early-life events. This position will contribute to a programme that combines genomics, computational approaches and laboratory science to advance precision medicine in New Zealand

The responsibilities of the roles include:

• Conduct research and analysis in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and wider research team.
• Contribute to the development and operation of a robust genomics research programme.
• Undertake genetic curation and bioinformatic analyses to support diagnostic and therapeutic development.
• Analyse large-scale genomic and related datasets using computational methodologies.
• Prepare manuscripts, research outputs and reports for publication, funders and stakeholders.
• Support research administration, including ethics applications, compliance activities and data management processes.
• Contribute to the supervision of postgraduate students and participate in institute seminars and research meetings.

This is a fulltime (40h per week) fixed term position for 3 years. The salary range for this role is as follows (skills and experience dependent):

Post Doctoral Fellow: $92,213 - $97,083

Research Fellow: $99,788 - $119,204

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline and have established expertise in genomics, bioinformatics and computational research methods. You are comfortable working with complex datasets and can operate effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

You will be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to research with translational potential. Strong communication skills, a publication track record appropriate to career stage and a commitment to high-quality research practice will be important for success in this role.

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• PhD in a related field
• Experience in genomics, genetic curation and analysis of high-throughput datasets.
• Programming experience in Python, R, Perl or equivalent languages.
• Experience working within Linux-based computing environments and high-performance computing platforms.
• Strong quantitative research and data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research outputs and contribute to collaborative research programmes.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• 6.75% superannuation scheme

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Applications should be submitted online, by the closing date of 3 September 2026 and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

If you have any questions about this role, please email Justin O’Sullivan via [email protected]

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications via email

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz