Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, with a turnover of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 45,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Cancer Trials New Zealand (CTNZ) is part of the Department of Oncology in the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, a comprehensive health and medical faculty offering a range of professional programmes and hosting a number of research centres.

Our focus is to improve outcomes and reduce inequity for people with cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand through fostering and conducting research. We believe clinical trials are essential to delivering this mahi and goals.

There is wide geographic variability in access to clinical trials across NZ, our vision is to increase that access through the implementation of teletrials. The teletrial model gives patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials without the requirement for travel, which comes at a financial cost to both patients and the healthcare system. It also allows patients to continue to receive care locally (which can be in person), without removing them from their whānau and support systems. This is likely to be particularly important for Māori, who have worse outcomes from cancer and for those of lower socio-economic status who are less likely to be able to travel for cancer care.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Having secured a funding award from Te Aho o Te Kahu, we’re now looking to appoint a part time 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours a week) project manager on a 12 month fixed term contract to develop infrastructure for the initiation of oncology teletrials in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We may also be able to offer a full time position by splitting your focus between two specific projects. This will need to be discussed at the interview stage.

Your role will be to lead the development of infrastructure to initiate oncology teletrials across New Zealand. The role will include liaison with a wide range of collaborators including clinicians, researchers, consumers, and research associations.

Success in this position will involve wide engagement to ensure the approach developed is patient and whānau centred, effective liaison with, and documentation of the current research capabilities and practicalities at all sites (current District Health Boards - DHBs) in NZ. As well as the successful development of national teletrials guidelines, including revision of standard operating procedures, and governance templates.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be laying the foundation for the future of oncology teletrials in Aotearoa, therefore an understanding of the governance models across DHBs and implications for the teletrial model will be imperative. This might have been gained through a position as a trial coordinator, policy position or a clinical data manager looking to take the next step in their career.

You will need to be able to demonstrate project management experience preferably with exposure to a research or clinical trial environment.

You will be highly organised and capable of working independently and managing and prioritising your own and other’s work. You’ll be confident in your ability to form and maintain effective working relationships through excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust at all levels. 

It goes without saying that you will have high ethical and professional standards with exceptional attention to detail. 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The CTNZ team consists of Trial/Study Managers, Data Managers, Monitors, Statisticians and Clinicians, with a senior leadership led by the Director, Professor Michael Findlay. The team works very collaboratively with clinicians, healthcare workers, scientists and consumers, both within the University and externally. With strong communication and positive ‘can-do’ attitude the team works closely towards common goals.

The role reports to the Research Operations Manager within CTNZ. You will be working alongside the CTNZ team and the team from Te Pūriri o Te Ora (Cancer and Blood) Research at Auckland City Hospital, as well as with clinicians leading the teletrial initiative and the national oncology teletrials steering committee.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University and 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 a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 14 November 2021 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting your suitability for this position.

Please reach out to Sarah Benge (Research Operations Manager) for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for two weeks on arrival. 

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an off-shore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.

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