Research Assistant

Casual Research Assistant – Whāriki Research Centre Location: Auckland Central (with some flexibility to work from home) Fixed term: Casual, up to 18 months Hourly rate: $35.00 per hour

Are you a postgraduate student (ideally working towards your Master’s) with a passion for research that supports Māori advancement, social justice, and community wellbeing? Join our collaborative research team at Massey University’s Whāriki Research Centre to support He Kākākura Whakamātau, a project focused on the intergenerational effects of Māori experiences of welfare in Aotearoa.

This is a casual position with flexible hours that can be shaped around your study and life commitments. While the weekly hours will vary depending on the needs of the project, candidates can expect an average of 10-15 hours per week, with peaks around key deadlines or data collection phases. This flexibility makes it an ideal opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on research experience while continuing with postgraduate study.

You’ll contribute to media and literature reviews, coding and analysing data, and supporting the production of research outputs. This is a great opportunity to work in a Tiriti-led, kaupapa Māori research environment and gain valuable experience alongside leading researchers.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has an interest in Māori research and social justice
• Has strong reading, writing, and digital skills
• Is comfortable using (or willing to learn) tools like NVIVO, Access, Excel, and online databases
• Enjoys working in a collaborative and culturally grounded research team

Massey policy requires a criminal conviction check for the preferred applicant for this role. However, you are welcome to apply even if you have a conviction. We consider every case on its merit and convictions do not necessarily mean applicants are not suitable. We encourage everyone who is interested to apply.

The employment setting has a predominance of young adults but can involve work with people across the lifespan and applicants will be required to comply with the requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 and the Vulnerable Children (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children's Workers) Regulations 2015.

How to apply:

Please access the job advertisement on our Massey Careers page: https://tinyurl.com/44m62y55 

Please apply via your Massey Careers Candidate Portal profile. Click the blue begin button down the bottom of the page. 

You will be asked to upload your CV and cover letter. The closing date for application is 01 August 2025, 11:30pm. 

To learn more, contact the Whāriki Research Centre - mailto:ShoreAndWhariki@massey.ac.nz