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UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, CHRISTCHURCH | ŌTĀKOU WHAKAIHU WAKA, ŌTAUTAHI
DIVISION OF HEALTH SCIENCES | TE WĀHANGA MATUA MĀTAU HAUORA
About our team / Mō te tīma
The University of Otago, Christchurch is a research-intensive campus located at Christchurch Hospital. It serves as the hub for medical and postgraduate health education and health research in the region. Our vibrant campus community includes around 1,000 students, comprising approximately 350 medical students and 700 students pursuing allied health programs such as nursing, physiotherapy, and various postgraduate degrees up to PhD level.
The Department of Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people in New Zealand through outstanding education and innovative research. Our department is home to some of the country’s most productive researchers, with particular expertise in heart health, brain research, and musculoskeletal medicine.
The role / Te mahi
The Māori Health Navigator will support the clinical research team in fostering engagement, whakawhanaungatanga, and strong relationships with whānau Māori who are considering or participating in the IMPEDE-PKD trial. This clinical trial is investigating whether metformin (a treatment already used for diabetes and other conditions) can help protect kidney function in people with a condition called polycystic kidney disease.
Responsibilities in this role include:
• Exploring awareness of and potential participation in the IMPEDE-PKD trial with whānau Māori, in partnership with healthcare providers including Māori health workers, Māori health organisations, and other existing connections (through conversations and social media.).
• Building and sustaining relationships with potential Māori participants with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and their whānau.
• Providing advocacy and support for Māori participants and whānau throughout the entire clinical trial experience—from the initial conversation to the completion of any participation—as guided by patients and their whānau.
• Working closely with the clinical trial staff.
Your skills and experience / Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
We are looking for a highly organised individual who thrives in relationship-driven environments, can engage effectively with whānau and community members, and is confident working within a Kaupapa Māori context. You will have previous knowledge of research methods or a strong interest in learning, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently.
Other key criteria include:
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori, cultural practices, and values.
• Ability to build and sustain connections with a wide range of partners, including organisations, Māori health providers, whānau Māori, community groups, academics, and healthcare teams.
• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Previous experience in a health or social support role (preferred).
Further details / Pūroko
This is a fixed-term (12 months), part-time position (up to 0.2 FTE). Hours of work and the start date will be negotiated with the successful candidate. The role can be based in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), Ōtautahi (Christchurch), or at one of our Centres.
The University is offering a remuneration level commensurate with the responsibilities of the position
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. We welcome the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives.
You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa, New Zealand to be considered for this position.
For further information regarding the role, please contact Rachel Haselden, the National Coordinator of the IMPEDE-PKD clinical trial using the information below.
Application / Tono
To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2500945 will close on Sunday, 27 July 2025.
Applications may be reviewed as submitted and candidates may be invited to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
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: Rachel Haselden
Position details: Job Description
Further Information: Department Website
Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email
Location: About Dunedin