Research Assistant - Occupational Health

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

The Research Centre for Hauora and Health (RCHH) is a research Centre in the College of Health on the Wellington campus. We conduct hauora and health research that is of scientific importance and has the potential to improve public health, reduce health inequities, and guide policy development.

As well as conducting research, the Centre commits to the training of new hauora and health researchers. It also maintains liaison with policymakers to ensure that the findings of research can inform the policy-making process.

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant - Occupational Health, to assist the principal investigator in the day-to-day organisation of fieldwork for a study that will evaluate interventions to reduce occupational disease. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with, if possible, an immediate start date.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Be well-organised, and competent using and maintaining spreadsheets for data collection and processing.
• Have a good working knowledge of MS Office.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Be self-motivated and capable of working well independently.
• Have the ability to relate well to different types of people.
• Have an affinity for health and/or research.
• Have basic technical skills to ensure appropriate operation and maintenance of exposure monitoring equipment both in the field and in the laboratory

There is a requirement to travel and stay outside of Wellington for fieldwork between two and five days at a time and, depending on the industry being targeted, start early (e.g. 5:30 am) and/or finish late (e.g. 9 pm).

What you will be doing:

• Assisting with the recruitment of pesticide users/applicators, construction workers, and collision repair workers and their employers for involvement in a large scientific study.
• Providing technical assistance with exposure monitoring of hazardous chemicals in various industrial and agricultural environments.
• Assisting with laboratory/setup work, including preparation of a variety of sample types for storage, transport and/or analysis.
• Where required, assist research nurses in conducting clinical tests.
• Completing questionnaires face-to-face with workers in the field, or over the telephone.
• Please refer to the job description for more details.

The role is suited to someone who would like a new challenge, has a strong interest in health and research, and is a team player. This position has many opportunities, including ongoing professional development, and the chance to be an integral part of exciting and innovative research projects. Depending on the candidate's background it may also provide an opportunity to complete a Masters or PhD degree in occupational health.

If you have any enquiries about the role, please feel free to direct them Prof Jeroen Douwes J.Douwes@massey.ac.nz .

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and appointments may be made before the closing date.