Post Doctoral Fellow - Centre for Arts and Social Transformation

Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term
Campus: Auckland City Campus
Position Number: 55574000
Uo A Department Name: Centre for Arts and Social Transformation

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching, and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific.
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top-ranked university, supported by over 6,000 academic and professional staff dedicated to the success of more than 46,000 students. Proudly ranked 65th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 12th globally in the 2023 THE University Impact Rankings, we are one of the country’s largest and most impactful employers.
The Centre for Arts and Social Transformation (CAST) was established as the result of a generous gift from the Chartwell Trust in 2019. The Centre researches how the arts have the potential to make a more socially just and equitable world through improving the quality of life of all citizens.
The Centre for Arts and Social Transformation is delighted to welcome a Postdoctoral Fellow to join our academic team. In this role, you will work alongside a fantastic and dedicated team to undertake research tasks within the Centre and collaborate on projects focused on Asian community wellbeing, education, and social transformation.
Core aspects of this role include:

Conducting research, literature reviews, and data analysis on mental health and wellbeing in the Asian community, contributing to academic publications.
Contributing to CAST projects through data generation, analysis, and co-design processes, focusing on social transformation through the arts.
Maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders such as The Chartwell Trust, Asian Family Services, other funders, and community groups.
Furthering your own research interests on the potential for social transformation through the arts.
Seeking philanthropic and contract grants for projects that align with the Centre’s goals and vision.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), 2-year fixed-term position. We are also open to the possibility of hiring two part-time researchers. There may be the opportunity to extend this position beyond 2 years, depending on factors such as project timing and funding.
This position is a Postdoctoral Fellow Level 1, with a remuneration of $90,405 per annum.
For more detailed information on this role, please refer to the Position Description.
CAST is an outward-focused Centre that builds relationships with educators, artists, activists, policymakers, and communities to research the power of the arts for social transformation.
Our ideal candidate will bring integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and courage to this role. You will demonstrate emotional intelligence by accurately perceiving and interpreting your own and others’ emotions and behaviours in context, enabling effective relationship management.
You will also:

Hold a Doctoral degree (Ph D) in a related field.
Be familiar with arts-based research methods and skilled in qualitative analysis.
Have experience communicating complex analyses to stakeholders in ways that inform and drive development.
Thrive in a collaborative team environment, actively contributing to the Centre’s overarching goals.
Possess knowledge of Asian, migrant, and refugee communities, with previous experience in mental health contexts.

Whilst not essential, proficiency in Asian languages (e.g., Chinese, Korean, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, etc.) would be advantageous.
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and several other discounts on internal and external services.
Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Monday 10 February 2025 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.
Please reach out to Tahnee Vo (Centre Manager) or Professor Peter O’Connor (Co-Director) via the below emails. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email:
tahnee.vo@auckland.ac.nzp.oconnor@auckland.ac.nz
The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work, and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.
The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.
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