Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow GRI Spatial Data Scientist

Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of ScienceTe Taiwhenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth LaboratoryLocated in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New ZealandFull-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)Fixed term January 2026 - December 2026A competitive salary of up to $78,000 p.a. (1.0 FTE)We are seeking a Research Associate/Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a range of policy-relevant research projects being undertaken by the Geohealth Laboratory in collaboration with the health sector e.g. Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Health or other relevant organisations. The funding for the position covers 2026. Any extension would be subject to securing ongoing funding.Āu Mahi | What You Will DoYou will work with the Director of the Geohealth Laboratory, along with appropriate personnel in the health sector (e.g. the MoH/Health Sector organisations), and other associated researchers, to support and deliver the research being undertaken. You will also have a limited amount of teaching and supervision of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students as required.Mōu | Who You AreYou will hold a PhD (NZQA Level 10) in Quantitative Geography, Spatial Data Science, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and health or a related discipline, experience in a relevant aspect of health geography and geospatial science, along with excellent communication skills and experience in collaborating with researchers from different disciplines. A mix of health and spatial expertise is ideal.Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work WithTe Taiwhenua o te Hauora | GeoHealth Laboratory undertakes applied research in the areas of quantitative health geography, spatial epidemiology and GIS. Our current work has considered how various characteristics of local neighbourhoods influence health outcomes and health-related behaviours. These projects include the role of accessibility (such as access to greenspace, food environments and healthcare) on health inequalities; the role of deprivation and rurality in influencing health outcomes; and the importance of income inequality and macro-level processes on inequalities in life expectancy, mGeoHealth - the use of mobile phone location data to understand health outcomes and behaviours such as social connection or environmental exposures, and spatial microsimulation modelling for health and wellbeing. We are also open to emerging areas such as the application of GeoAI to population health research. This position is located in the Geohealth Laboratory, which is part of the University of Canterbury's Geospatial Research Institute.Ngā Painga o UC | Why UCTangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can, and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here.We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.The closing date for this position is: 21 November 2025 (midnight NZ time)Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the closing date.Pēhea te tono mai | How You ApplyApplications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:A cover letter of 1-2 pages, with a statement outlining your research interests and goals. The cover letter should include a short section (1-2 paragraphs) on a specific project within the wider research programme in the GeoHealth Laboratory, detailing the data and methods you propose to use, with justification.A CV / resume which includes a list of relevant research publications, research funding applications granted, and other job-relevant outputs.For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Malcolm Campbell, Director, Geohealth Laboratory at Malcolm.Campbell@canterbury.ac.nz with the email header "GHL-Postdoctoral Fellow 2026".Please Note: Candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant Doctoral qualification, will also be considered. Upon appointment, if the Doctoral qualification is yet to be awarded, the title of Research Associate will be applied and the salary will reflect the Research Associate salary scale.Appointable salary for a Post Doctoral Fellow will be up to $78,000 (pa) and appointable salary for a Research Associate will be $64,096.55- $74,772.79 (pa).We do not accept applications by email, however, we are happy to answer any queries at WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nzFor overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.