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UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, CHRISTCHURCH | ŌTĀKOU WHAKAIHU WAKA, ŌTAUTAHI
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE | TE TARI WHAIORA
About our team/Mō te tīma
The University of Otago, Christchurch is a research‑intensive campus based at Christchurch Hospital. Our campus is the hub for medical and postgraduate health education and health research in Canterbury. In 2022, our researchers commenced projects worth $21 million, with more than $4.2 million awarded in the most recent PBRF round.
We are home to a vibrant community of around 1,000 students, including 330 medical students and 700 students undertaking allied health programmes, from nursing and physiotherapy through to doctoral study.
Within the University of Otago, Christchurch, the Department of Medicine has a mission to improve the lives of New Zealanders through world‑class health education and research. The Department hosts more than 100 academic researchers, many of whom also hold clinical roles within Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, and has recognised strengths in heart health, brain research, and musculoskeletal medicine.
The role/Te mahi
We are seeking a motivated Statistician to join the Better Ageing with Big Data Group within the Department of Medicine.
In this position, you will contribute to the Leveraging AI for Health Ageing programme, recently awarded inaugural funding through the New Zealand–Singapore Artificial Intelligence Research Grant, by providing advanced statistical and AI analysis, and supporting all aspects of the project, including ethics, publication, dissemination, and project management.
- Performing statistical and AI analysis and reporting findings.
- Creating cross‑walks between New Zealand and international data.
- Training models with national and international datasets.
- Supporting applications for ethical approval.
- Contributing to scientific papers and future grant applications.
- Preparing regular progress reports.
- Spending up to four months travelling nationally or potentially internationally.
- Building strong working relationships within the University and with key stakeholders.
- This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that supports better ageing outcomes through the use of big data and innovative analysis.
Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
- A completed or in‑progress Master’s qualification in a relevant area.
- Experience in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or statistical modelling, with knowledge of tree‑based ensemble methods desirable.
- Proficiency in R, Python, and/or other statistical software for AI statistical methods and modelling.
- A track record of contributing to scientific publications.
- Discretion and proven ability to manage highly sensitive or confidential information.
- Highly developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) and geospatial data analysis (beneficial but not essential).
Further details/Pūroko
This position is part‑time (0.6 FTE), fixed term role for 34 months, based in Ōtautahi, Christchurch
The appointment range for this role is $97,377 to $114,943 (pro rata).
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.
The role requires occasional national travel and may involve short periods of international travel.
The University of Otago is committed to its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Māori Strategic Framework, as well as the Pacific Strategic Framework. We value equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we practice sustainability in all our activities.
For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Diane Ness, via the contact details.
Application/Tono
Applications quoting reference number 2501123 close on Sunday, 17 August 2025.
Applications may be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
