Research Fellow Science (2 year fixed term), School of Biological Sciences

School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science (Joint Graduate School in Biodiversity and Biosecurity)

2 year, full-time postdoctoral research position – RF1 scale

Optimal strategy for achieving Predator Free New Zealand

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University, with a turnover of $1.1bn, including research revenue of over $200m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students making us one of NZ’s largest employers. 

In July 2016 the New Zealand government formally adopted the aspirational goal of achieving a Predator Free New Zealand by 2050. The University of Auckland seeks to appoint a postdoctoral fellow to fill a two year position researching optimal strategies and priorities for achieving this.

The primary focus of this project will be:

• Determining the current specifications and limitations (e.g. biological, ethical or economical) of existing predator detection and control
• Determining what additional specifications would be required of breakthrough tools in order to scale predator eradication to current mainland control areas
• Prioritisation of the application of both current and theoretical pest detection and control tools in order to maximize the impact of current and future pest control efforts
• Research of relevance to optimal strategy, such as understanding the role of policy alongside social licence and buy-in

The successfully appointed fellow is expected to have advanced skills in programming, preferably in R or Python software, and experience in operations research. Additional experience in at least one of ecology, conservation biology, and social science, is anticipated.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through flexible employment practices and a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential. We offer a competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave per year, and over 300 different career development courses. In addition, the University offers a company superannuation scheme, discounted car parking, childcare and a number of other subsidies on internal and external services. For more information please visit: Career development and benefits.

The University has an equity policy and welcomes applications from all qualified persons.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through flexible employment practices and a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential. We offer a competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave per year, and over 300 different career development courses. In addition, the University offers a company superannuation scheme, discounted car parking, childcare and a number of other subsidies on internal and external services. For more information please visit: Career development and benefits.

Applications close Tuesday 28 February 2017.