Research Assistant – Occupational Health

• Research Centre for Hauora and Health
• College of Health
• Wellington

CH_RCHH_1108_09/22
Professional Grade 4 45257 – 66147
College of Health
Term length: fixed-term
Hours of work: full-time

Position Overview

The Research Centre for Hauora and Health (RCHH) is a Tiriti-based 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.

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant – Occupational Health, to assist the principal investigator in the day-to-day organisation of field work for a study that will evaluate interventions to reduce occupational disease in an 18-month fixed-term role.

To be successful in this role, you will:

·         Have a full clean NZ drivers’ license
·         Have an affinity for health and/or research.
·         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 basic technical skills to ensure appropriate operation and maintenance of exposure monitoring equipment both in the field and in the laboratory
·         Be well-organised, and competent using and maintaining spreadsheets for data collection and processing.

About the role:

·         Assist with the recruitment of collision repair workers, pesticide users/applicators, fibreglass-reinforced plastics workers, construction 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.

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

If you are seeking a new challenge, have a strong interest in health and research, and are self-driven in an autonomous environment 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.

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.

If you have any enquiries about the role please feel free to direct them Prof Jeroen Douwes [email protected]  or Dr Samuel Keer [email protected]

To view/download the job description, please click on the file below

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