Research Fellow - Te Whare Takiura Mātai Pūtaiao Moana | Institute of Marine Science – 24 month fixed term

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University of Auckland invites applications for a 24-month Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Modelling the Restoration Potential of Shellfish Species. The role integrates ecological and quantitative modelling to evaluate restoration options across species, in collaboration with ecologists, marine scientists and managers. Required: PhD in ecology or a related field, demonstrated experience in quantitative ecological modelling, and proficiency in R or Python, plus a solid publication record. The position offers NZ$99,788 to NZ$103,024 per year, flexible work options, and strong career development. Apply online by 15 August 2026 with a cover letter, CV with publications, a brief teaching and service summary, and references, and indicate earliest start date; for a confidential chat contact Jenny Hillman.

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Te Whare Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science is the leading science faculty in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. We undertake world-class research across the physical, biological, and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students study across our ten schools and departments, learning from internationally recognised educators and researchers.

Our staff and students can connect with our flagship groups including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff network and our Waipapa Marae.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Modelling the Restoration Potential of Shellfish Species

We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research programme focused on enhancing the restoration potential of ecologically important shellfish species.

Shellfish restoration is a critical tool for rebuilding marine ecosystems, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting coastal resilience. However, restoration outcomes vary considerably among species due to differences in life-history traits, dispersal dynamics, habitat requirements, population connectivity, and environmental sensitivities.

This position will focus on integrating modelling approaches to evaluate restoration opportunities and predict restoration outcomes for shellfish species with differing biological characteristics. The successful candidate integrate with a wider collaborative research team working at the interface of ecology, conservation, restoration science, and quantitative modelling.

Research Focus

The postdoctoral fellow will:

• Develop models to assess the potential effectiveness of restoration actions across multiple shellfish species.
• Investigate how species-specific biological traits influence restoration success.
• Evaluate restoration scenarios under changing environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with ecologists, marine scientists, resource managers, and other stakeholders to ensure research outputs are relevant and actionable.
• Publish findings in leading international journals and contribute to project reporting and outreach activities.

For more information on the role, please view the Position Description

This is a full-time (40 hrs per week), 24-month fixed-term role

The remuneration is $99,788 - $103,024 per annum, dependent on skills and experience

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are particularly interested in candidates who are excited by complex environmental problems and have the capacity to connect different modelling approaches to generate new insights and solutions.

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in ecology, marine science, environmental science, computer science, applied mathematics, quantitative biology, statistics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative ecological modelling.
• Strong analytical and computational skills, including proficiency in R, Python, or similar programming environments.
• A publication record appropriate to career stage.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

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

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date, 15th August 2026, to be considered.

The application must include:

• Cover Letter and CV, including a list of publications and preprints, a summary of teaching and service contributions, and the names of some people who can provide academic references, plus an indication of availability to start if successful.

Please reach out to Jenny Hillman (Senior Lecturer - Marine Science) via [email protected]  for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by 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