Senior Research Assistant

Job Description:

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The Liggins Institute is seeking a skilled Senior Research Assistant – Research Genetic Counsellor to support an important whole genome sequencing study for people living with cerebral palsy. Working as part of the Cerebral Palsy Project, this role plays a vital part in participant engagement, genetic counselling, and research delivery, in partnership with leading clinical and research organisations.

You will work closely with participants and their whānau, providing high‑quality genetic counselling while contributing to rigorous, ethically sound research with real‑world impact.

In this role, you will:

• Provide genetic counselling to study participants, including establishing rapport, explaining genetic information, and supporting informed decision‑making
• Manage participant enrolment and involvement, including informed consent, data collection, documentation, and follow‑up
• Act as the first point of contact for participants interested in the Cerebral Palsy Project
• Coordinate participant visits and organise the collection and transfer of biological samples
• Ensure accurate, timely, and confidential data entry and record‑keeping using REDCap
• Liaise with clinicians and research team members regarding study cases and results
• Contribute to study coordination, monitoring, ethics, and compliance activities

This is a part-time (18.75 hours per week) fixed term opportunity for 24 months.

The salary range for this role is $73,400 - $90,700 (pro-rated) based on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a qualified genetic counsellor who brings empathy, professionalism, and strong communication skills to your work. You enjoy engaging with diverse communities and are comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

You are reflective in your practice, committed to ethical standards, and motivated by research that improves lifelong health outcomes.

Important skills:

• Master’s degree in Genetic Counselling
• Eligible to apply for, or currently registered on, the HGSA Genetic Counsellor Register (MHGSA/FHGSA)
• 1–2 years’ experience as a genetic counsellor (research experience preferred)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and rapport‑building skills
• Excellent attention to detail and data management capability
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

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 if feasible, 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. For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 31 May 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Jodi Van Dyk, via [email protected] , for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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