Scientific Officer

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DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE - FACULTY OF MEDICINE, CHRISTCHURCH
TE TARI MĀTAI TUKUMATE, MĀTAI HAUORA KOIORA

About our team/Mō te tīma

The Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine undertakes internationally renowned research in pathology, biomedical science, and imaging. This research underpins our award-winning teaching of postgraduate research students and undergraduate medical students..

The Department is home to He Taonga Tapu Cancer Society Tissue Bank (HTTCSTB), which supports cancer research by collecting and managing human biospecimens and data. The Tissue Bank follows the highest ethical, legal, cultural, and scientific standards, in collaboration with the University of Otago, Christchurch, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, and the Cancer Society of New Zealand (Southern Division).

Te Mahi – The Role

As Scientific Officer (Biobank – Liaison), you will play a key role in engaging with patients and their whānau to facilitate informed consent and recruitment into the Tissue Bank and related prospective studies. This includes meeting patients in oncology, pre-surgical assessment clinics, and other clinical settings, and providing clear, culturally sensitive information about research participation.

You will work closely with clinicians, Māori and Pacific advisors, and the Tissue Bank's governance board to ensure participant engagement reflects best-practice standards, including tikanga and cultural safety. The role also involves supporting data accuracy and privacy, coordinating access requests, and helping maintain effective relationships between clinical teams, researchers, and the Tissue Bank.

This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about equitable research participation, relationship-building, and supporting high-quality, culturally grounded cancer research in Aotearoa.

Kā pūkeka me kā wheako - Your skills and experience

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant biomedical or life sciences discipline and have experience in research, health-related liaison roles, or biobanking. You will bring excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to culturally safe practice. We are seeking someone who demonstrates:

•    Experience working directly with patients, whānau, or communities in healthcare or research settings.

•    Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities, with confidence engaging in clinical environments.

•    Strong understanding of informed consent, ethical considerations, and legislative requirements related to human tissue research.

•    High attention to detail and ability to manage confidential patient information responsibly.

•    Proven ability to collaborate with clinicians, researchers, and Māori and Pacific cultural advisors.

•    Dedication to working in a culturally grounded and respectful manner, with understanding of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and Pasifika values.

•    Ability to work both independently and as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team.

Pūroko - Further details

This is a part time (30 hours per week), position located in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

The appointments 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.

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of kaimahi with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

We offer competitive salary, five weeks' annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance. More information regarding employee benefits can be found here\: https\

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Helen Morrin, Curator, He Taonga Tapu Cancer Society Tissue Bank via the contact details below. 

Application/Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. 

Applications quoting reference number will close on Sunday, 18 January 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, 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: Helen Morrin

Position details: Information Statement

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Christchurch