Postdoctoral Fellow, Physiology

Postdoctoral Fellow, Physiology–2301587

 

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY
SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Who we are/Ko wai mātou

Since its establishment in 1905 the Department of Physiology has grown to become one of the largest Departments in the University, being home to approximately 100 staff. We make major contributions to the undergraduate and postgraduate education of students in science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical lab sciences, nutrition, and physical education. 

The Role/Te mahi

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will join Professor Daryl Schwenke (Otago) and Associate Professor James Fisher (Auckland) to work on the project: Can loss of a ‘hunger’ hormone increase cardiovascular disease in Pacific people. Considering this is a multi-institutional project, the successful candidate can be based in either Auckland or Dunedin.

This study aims to measure ghrelin in blood samples from healthy Pacific people (PI) and NZ European subjects and determine whether reduced ghrelin levels in PI drive a dangerous increase in sympathetic activity, which is known to underpin many cardiovascular morbidities. Comparisons will also be made between NZ-born Pacific vs indigenous-PI to differentiate between environmental vs genetic factors contributing to CVD.

In this role you will:
•    Assist in designing and conducting experiments relating to the overall objectives of the project.
•    Engage with relevant Pacific communities and facilitate ‘talanoa’ (discussions) as a pre-emptive measure for recruiting study participants.
•    To analyse data and present it at scientific meetings and write up results for publications.
•    To assist with supervision of postgraduate students.

Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Successful candidates will have:
•    PhD in a relevant area of science.
•    Strong relationships with Pacific communities.
•    Personal familiarity with Pacific values, cultures, and practices.
•    Self-motivated with a high ability to work alone and in a group environment.
•    Commitment to maintaining clear and full written records for a wide range of laboratory activities.
•    Willingness to learn new skills and techniques and to apply them diligently. 
•    Ability to write up manuscript drafts for publication, and creating posters and talks for relevant meetings.
•    Commitment to upholding values, tikanga, kawa and traditions as guided by Ngāi Tahu, who are mana whenua in the region.

Further Details/Pūroko

This is a full-time (1.0FTE), fixed term position for three years.  The salary for this position is $86,210 per annum.

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

If you are looking for an exciting new opportunity and would like to learn more about joining our team, then please contact Professor Daryl Schwenke via the contact details below.

Application/Tono

Candidates are requested to submit the following:
•    CV
•    Cover letter
•    Names and email addresses of at least three referees

To submit your application please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2301587 will close on Sunday, 5 November 2023.

Additional Information

Contact: Daryl Schwenke

Position details: Information Statement

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin

Primary Location
 NZL-SI-Dunedin
Employment Status
 Fixed Term 
Salary Level and Range
 Postdoctoral Fellow ($86,210)
Organisation
 Physiology
Job Function
 Research