Assistant Research Fellow - Microbiology and Immunology

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in New Zealand is seeking an Assistant Research Fellow to engage in antiviral drug research, focusing on viral enzyme analysis and purification processes. This fixed-term role requires a MSc or PhD in related fields and offers a competitive salary ranging from $62,496 to $84,125 per annum. Candidates must also have the right to work in New Zealand and should apply by 26 October 2025.

Qualifications

• Three years’ relevant experience in a research laboratory.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in preparing research data for publication.

Responsibilities

• Expression and purification of viral enzymes.
• Enzymatic and mode-of-action analysis of antiviral compounds.
• Analysis of antiviral compound activity against selected viruses.

Skills

Expression and purification of proteins from E. coli

Eukaryotic cell culture

Enzyme analysis

Good written and oral communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology

Job description

Overview

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology undertakes both fundamental and applied research of international standard across many areas of microbiology, immunology, virology, parasitology. We are also renowned for the quality of our teaching to Science and Health Science students, and for our strong postgraduate programme.

The role / Te mahi

An Assistant Research Fellow position is available for the expression and purification of viral enzymes, enzymatic and mode-of-action analysis of antiviral compound activity in vitro, and analysis of antiviral compound activity against selected viruses in culture as part of a collaborative MBIE-funded project developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs against human and animal viruses.

The appointee will be part of a team led by Professor Vernon Ward, Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Skills And Experience / Kā Pūkeka Me Kā Wheako

Successful candidates will have:

• A MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a related discipline.


• Experience with expression and purification of proteins from E. coli, working with eukaryotic cell culture, eukaryotic virus growth, and experience of enzyme analysis are all highly desirable.


• Three years’ relevant experience in a research laboratory, as an employee or research student.


• It is essential that the successful applicant is well organised and has good written, oral and people skills.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Experience in preparing original research data for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

Further details / Pūroko

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), fixed-term position available for 48 months, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. The position will commence 1 December 2025.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

The salary for this position ranges from $62,496 to $84,125 per annum. Appointment will be made at an appropriate step on the University of Otago Assistant Research Fellow salary scale depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

Specific enquiries should be directed to Professor Vernon Ward, Department of Microbiology & Immunology.

Application / Tono

To submit your application please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2501451 will close on Sunday, 26 October 2025.

Applications will be considered as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.