Research Assistant - Pacific 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 has a commitment to the training of new hauora and health researchers. It also maintains liaison with policymakers to ensure that the research can guide new policies to improve public health in New Zealand.

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant - Pacific health research, to assist the principal investigators in the day-to-day organisation of fieldwork and health research. A focus of this role is a study on Pacific children's access and use of paediatric palliative care in Aotearoa New Zealand; specifically, it will ascertain challenges and enablers to access and use of these services. The findings from this study will inform policies and evidence-based guidelines to improve paediatric palliative care for Pacific (and other) people in Aotearoa New Zealand. 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-organized and competent in data collection and processing.
• Have a good working knowledge of MS Office and the use of Excel spreadsheets.
• 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 including Pacific communities.
• Have an affinity for health and/or research.
• Be able to work at flexible times, occasionally involving early evenings and weekends.

An ability to communicate orally and in written form in a Pacific language would be an advantage.

What you will be doing:

• Assist with the promotion and conduct of Pacific health research.
• Assist with the recruitment of children and their caregivers receiving palliative care among Pacific populations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Assist with the conduct of interviews and completing questionnaires with research participants (Pacific children and their caregivers).
• Assist with data collection and processing.
• Other activities as described in the job description.

Massey University is committed to being a Tiriti-led organisation. It is therefore expected that applicants will have an appreciation of the Aotearoa New Zealand context and a demonstrable understanding (or willingness to learn) of the needs and aspirations of Māori.

The role is suited to someone who would like a new challenge, has a strong interest in Pacific 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 public health.

If you have any enquiries about the role please feel free to direct them to Dr Sunia Foliaki s.foliaki@massey.ac.nz or Prof Jeroen Douwes J.Douwes@massey.ac.nz.

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