Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity Based in the department of Physiology, this role is responsible for performing research at an international level on defined projects and contributing to the intellectual environment of the research group and the department.  Specifically, identifying new therapeutic targets for diabetic heart disease.Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research fellow to work in the field of cardiology molecular discovery. Successful applicants will be a part of a dynamic team with a mission to understand how the heart responds to metabolic stress, and discover novel molecular targets to test new therapeutic interventions for diabetic heart disease.This project is in the field of pre-clinical discoveries in cardiology with a focus on diabetic cardiomyopathy, metabolism and failure. The early occurrence of diastolic dysfunction in otherwise ‘healthy’ asymptomatic diabetic patients has been extensively reported, and is prognostic of later occurrence of heart failure and increased mortality. There are currently no evidence-based treatments for diastolic dysfunction, and our goal is to identify novel mechanisms with therapeutic value.This role will enable an outstanding emerging scientist to undertake research in Dr Kim Mellor’s lab at the University of Auckland, in collaboration with other members of the Cardiac Research Consortium in Melbourne, Prof Lea Delbridge, Dr Kate Weeks and Dr Jim Bell. This project will involve work with experimental models of disease and clinical biopsy samples and employs a range of innovative state-of-the-art techniques including:gene editing (Crispr) & gene therapy (AAV)VEVO high frequency ultrasound echocardiographycardiomyocyte live cell imagingisolated heart perfusionsproteomics, metabolomics, gene profilingcell culture of cardiomyocytesSpecific areas of research include:diastolic dysfunctioncardiac metabolismsignalling regulation & post-translational modification of proteinscardiac function (echocardiography)cardiomyocyte mechanics and Ca handling (live cell imaging)This position is for researchers who have completed a PhD, preferably in the field of cardiac or cardiovascular physiology. Technical expertise in molecular biology, cardiac function evaluation, cardiomyocyte live cell imaging, and/or isolated heart preparations, is highly desired.
The lab is funded by competitive grants from the Health Research Council NZ and Marsden Fund New Zealand.This is a fulltime (40 hours per week), 24-month fixed term role.Remuneration:  PDF1 to RF3 ($90,405 - $104,175) per annum depending on experience and qualifications.For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.   He kōrero mōu | About youWe are looking for an eager and enthusiastic scientist with evidence of a quality publication record, with excellent communication skills and willingness to provide leadership. Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
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 schemeA competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leaveIn 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. For more information, please visit Staff Benefits. Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to applyApplications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 4 December 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 Dr Kim Mellor via k.mellor@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.
