- Lead the development of a collaborative Translational Neuroscience research programme in the Centre for Brain Research to improve the health of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region
- Teach exceptional students and collaborate with world leading colleagues across the top-ranked university in New Zealand
- If a practicing clinician, undertake clinical duties up to 0.5 FTE with local District Health Board(s) or in private practice
The Centre for Brain Research (CBR) – under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull – is one of the leading brain research institutes in the world, acknowledged locally and internationally for its ground-breaking work in advancing neuroscience and healthcare. The CBR is a large and diverse university research centre spanning multiple faculties, which is engaged with over 400 staff and students encompassing disciplines and academic activities that focus on the prevention and treatment of brain health and wellbeing through research ranging from basic and laboratory science to clinical care and disorders and the promotion of population health and through engagement with communities.
The Chair in Translational Neuroscience will provide leadership in neuroscience research, clinical translation, education and knowledge exchange in order to improve patient outcomes in New Zealand and around the world. This new role will build upon the existing clinical and research strengths of the CBR to develop a vibrant academic research programme harnessing existing research excellence within the CBR and contributing to further research development across the neuroscience community.
The Professor would develop and lead a programme of internationally recognised study, which results in the discovery, integration, and application of new and existing knowledge, and facilitate the translation of latest innovations made in the laboratory into effective and sustainable clinical interventions and improved preventative measures in the community. The position would bridge the gap between basic and clinical research oriented towards translational opportunities, by creating stronger ties among scientists, engineers, clinicians, and the community, and by training the next generation of leaders in the field.
The opportunities afforded by a Chair are many and varied and include the development of new and innovative areas of research in the CBR and the University of Auckland and the development of linkages across New Zealand and in particular with the Brain Research New Zealand-Centre of Research Excellence and the Ageing Well-National Science Challenge. The role will also take advantage of existing linkages between the CBR’s world-class research and other research centres and universities in Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.
This appointment will be for a fixed term (renewable) of five years. The substantive academic appointment will be made according to the successful candidate’s research profile and academic experience, ideally at Full Professor level.
The candidate will demonstrate a collaborative, inclusive, leadership style, role-modelling cultural sensitivity and commitment to equity. Those not already familiar with our cultural context will demonstrate their commitment to developing their understanding of Māori and Pacific development, te Tiriti o Waitangi and our place in the Pacific. Interpersonal strengths including excellent communication, an ability to lead strategically, advocate and influence will be appreciated.
Candidates will be internationally leading senior academics or clinical academics with significant records of peer-reviewed (preferably translational) neuroscience research and research income generation; commitment to innovative teaching, curriculum development, digital pedagogies and postgraduate supervision. She/he will also be experienced in developing and mentoring junior academics, able to create a positive and supportive collaborative environment in which they will thrive.
The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University, and an international centre of learning and academic excellence. Based in the largest city, CBR is located in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world in the medical disciplines) located on the Grafton Campus adjacent to Auckland City Hospital, but the chair could be held in any suitable faculty of the university.
The Hugh Green Foundation (HGF) is a charitable trust set up in 1998, with the aim of improving the health and wealth of local communities, inspired by Hugh’s own experiences of poverty during his childhood in Ireland. The HGF is a longstanding funder to the University and is committed to its continuing support to the CBR. The Chair of Translational Neuroscience is a new position funded by the Hugh Green Foundation in addition to their generous support of the Hugh Green Foundation Chair in Addiction Research and the endowed Hugh Green Biobank.
The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University. Established in 1883, it is an international centre of learning and academic excellence. The university has an academic presence in seven other sites across the upper North Island. FMHS is adjacent to Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand’s largest public hospital and clinical research facility serving a central Auckland population of about 550,000, as well as regional services for Northland and Greater Auckland and specialist national services for the whole of New Zealand (more than 1 million patient contacts per year).
For a confidential discussion or further information about the role, including the position description please contact the University of Auckland as below:
Applications should be submitted via the University website www.jobs.auckland.ac.nz by Sunday, 2 August 2020.
Position Reference: REF4112F
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, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz
Contact information
Clare Litten, Email: c.litten@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Kathrin Soehnel, Email: k.soehnel@auckland.ac.nz
Posting end date
2020/08/02
