Postdoctoral Fellow - Zoology
- University of Otago
- Nov 3, 2026
Job Description:
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DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY | TE TARI MĀTAI KARAREHE
DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKAROA
Who we are | Ko wai mātou
The Division of Sciences is one of the four divisions in the University, the others being Health Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities. The Division of Sciences represents a broad range of disciplines in 15 Departments and a number of inter-disciplinary programmes.
The Department of Zoology has a strong international reputation in whole-organism biology, with research strengths in areas including conservation biology, genetics/genomics, parasitology, entomology, environmental physiology, wildlife management, neurobiology and statistical modeling, as well as in molecular, functional, population, community, freshwater and behavioural ecology. We have well-established links to the Departments of Botany and Marine Science, the cross-disciplinary Ecology Programme, the Genetics and Neuroscience Programmes, and other centres at the University of Otago, providing a collaborative environment and resources for innovative interdisciplinary research. Our staff have international reputations in their areas of expertise and make major contributions to answering fundamental questions in basic and applied research.
The Department of Zoology is committed to affording students the opportunity to engage with knowledge of animals from a te ao Māori world view, and to strengthening its curriculum and research in relation to kaupapa Māori and mātauranga Māori, the University of Otago Māori Strategic Framework and Pacific Strategic Framework, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).
The role | Te mahi
The Department of Zoology is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for a fixed-term, part-time (0.52 FTE) position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow | Paewai Rangahau. This exciting opportunity is funded through a Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Fast-Start grant, The gift of infection: using parasites to tackle marine pollution, led by Dr Jerusha Bennett.
The successful candidate will investigate the role of gastrointestinal parasites as potential biofilters of environmental contaminants in marine ecosystems. Specifically, the project examines how parasites influence the accumulation of plastics and heavy metals in seabirds and whether parasites provide an unexpected protective function against pollution.
The position involves working with a unique collection of seabird specimens sourced through established collaborations with wildlife organisations, museums, mana whenua, and conservation partners throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Key responsibilities include:
• Conducting dissections of seabirds and collecting tissues for analysis.
• Processing biological samples for plastic and trace metal quantification.
• Potentially contributing to laboratory-based contaminant analyses using advanced analytical methods.
• Managing and analysing ecological datasets using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Preparing manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting findings at conferences, seminars, workshops and community engagement events.
• Assisting with the co-supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate research students.
• Supporting ongoing engagement with mana whenua and project collaborators.
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative research environment at the interface of parasitology, pollution ecology, wildlife health, and conservation biology.
Your skills and experience | Kā Pūkeka me Kā Wheako
• A PhD in parasitology, ecology, ecotoxicology, environmental science, chemistry, wildlife disease ecology, or a related discipline[AG1.1].
• Willingness to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and the University’s Māori and Pacific Strategic Framework.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research
• Experience in environmental contaminant research, particularly plastics and/or heavy metals, is highly desirable.
• Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to ecological, toxicological, parasitological or wildlife research.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and modelling of ecological data.
• Ability to work relatively independently, and as part of a collaborative research team.
Further Details | Pūroko
This is a fixed-term (18-months) part-time (0.52 FTE) position at the level of Postdoctoral Fellow PD01 based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.
The successful candidate is expected to take up duties by 1 March 2027 or as soon as practically possible thereafter.
Specific enquiries may be directed to Dr Jerusha Bennett via the email address below.
Application | Tonoka
To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click on the apply button below.
Applications quoting reference number 2601610 will close on Monday, 30th November 2026.
Additional Information
Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.
Contact: Dr Jerusha Bennett
Position details: Information Statement
Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin
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Job Description:
__________
DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY | TE TARI MĀTAI KARAREHE
DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKAROA
Who we are | Ko wai mātou
The Division of Sciences is one of the four divisions in the University, the others being Health Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities. The Division of Sciences represents a broad range of disciplines in 15 Departments and a number of inter-disciplinary programmes.
The Department of Zoology has a strong international reputation in whole-organism biology, with research strengths in areas including conservation biology, genetics/genomics, parasitology, entomology, environmental physiology, wildlife management, neurobiology and statistical modeling, as well as in molecular, functional, population, community, freshwater and behavioural ecology. We have well-established links to the Departments of Botany and Marine Science, the cross-disciplinary Ecology Programme, the Genetics and Neuroscience Programmes, and other centres at the University of Otago, providing a collaborative environment and resources for innovative interdisciplinary research. Our staff have international reputations in their areas of expertise and make major contributions to answering fundamental questions in basic and applied research.
The Department of Zoology is committed to affording students the opportunity to engage with knowledge of animals from a te ao Māori world view, and to strengthening its curriculum and research in relation to kaupapa Māori and mātauranga Māori, the University of Otago Māori Strategic Framework and Pacific Strategic Framework, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).
The role | Te mahi
The Department of Zoology is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for a fixed-term, part-time (0.52 FTE) position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow | Paewai Rangahau. This exciting opportunity is funded through a Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Fast-Start grant, The gift of infection: using parasites to tackle marine pollution, led by Dr Jerusha Bennett.
The successful candidate will investigate the role of gastrointestinal parasites as potential biofilters of environmental contaminants in marine ecosystems. Specifically, the project examines how parasites influence the accumulation of plastics and heavy metals in seabirds and whether parasites provide an unexpected protective function against pollution.
The position involves working with a unique collection of seabird specimens sourced through established collaborations with wildlife organisations, museums, mana whenua, and conservation partners throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Key responsibilities include:
• Conducting dissections of seabirds and collecting tissues for analysis.
• Processing biological samples for plastic and trace metal quantification.
• Potentially contributing to laboratory-based contaminant analyses using advanced analytical methods.
• Managing and analysing ecological datasets using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Preparing manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting findings at conferences, seminars, workshops and community engagement events.
• Assisting with the co-supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate research students.
• Supporting ongoing engagement with mana whenua and project collaborators.
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative research environment at the interface of parasitology, pollution ecology, wildlife health, and conservation biology.
Your skills and experience | Kā Pūkeka me Kā Wheako
• A PhD in parasitology, ecology, ecotoxicology, environmental science, chemistry, wildlife disease ecology, or a related discipline[AG1.1].
• Willingness to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and the University’s Māori and Pacific Strategic Framework.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research
• Experience in environmental contaminant research, particularly plastics and/or heavy metals, is highly desirable.
• Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to ecological, toxicological, parasitological or wildlife research.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and modelling of ecological data.
• Ability to work relatively independently, and as part of a collaborative research team.
Further Details | Pūroko
This is a fixed-term (18-months) part-time (0.52 FTE) position at the level of Postdoctoral Fellow PD01 based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.
The successful candidate is expected to take up duties by 1 March 2027 or as soon as practically possible thereafter.
Specific enquiries may be directed to Dr Jerusha Bennett via the email address below.
Application | Tonoka
To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click on the apply button below.
Applications quoting reference number 2601610 will close on Monday, 30th November 2026.
Additional Information
Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.
Contact: Dr Jerusha Bennett
Position details: Information Statement
Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin
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