Genetic Pathologist - Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor

About the organisation

The University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s largest employers, with more than 5,400 academic and professional staff supporting over 47,000 students. The university’s mission places students and scholarly work at the centre of what it does, while also working alongside community and enterprise partners to improve wellbeing across Auckland and New Zealand, with sustainability as a key commitment.

Within this setting, the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) and Grafton Clinical Genomics (GCG) are looking to appoint a Genetic Pathologist to help deliver and accredit next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing across both germline and somatic applications.

This is a joint appointment with Te Toka Tumai Auckland Hospital (Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora). The Diagnostic Genetics team at Te Toka Tumai already works closely with the university, and the role is designed to connect research, clinical service delivery, and teaching across both organisations.

Role overview

The position may be appointed at Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor level, depending on the selected candidate’s professional experience and academic record. It is a full-time role of 40 hours per week on a 24-month fixed-term basis, with a possible path to tenure.

The opportunity sits at the intersection of genomic medicine, education, and translational research, contributing to the future of precision medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What you will do

• Oversee clinical genomics work for both somatic and germline testing, including validation activities and formal result sign-out.
• Work with GCG to maintain ISO15189-accredited processes and help bring new assays through accreditation.
• Serve as the clinical link with Te Whatu Ora and support patient-focused diagnostic genomics services.
• Contribute to the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences through teaching, postgraduate supervision, and curriculum development.
• Participate in translational research through the Precision Medicine Initiative, supporting New Zealand-led genomics solutions for healthcare.

Requirements

• You must be vocationally registered as a Genetic Pathologist, or be eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• FRCPA in Genetic Pathology, or an equivalent qualification, is required.
• Hands-on experience in both somatic and germline genetic pathology is essential.
• You should have strong capability in NGS test design, validation, and implementation.
• A solid academic background in research and/or teaching is expected.
• You need the ability to contribute to Molecular Tumour Boards and genetics multidisciplinary meetings.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are necessary, along with the ability to operate across academic, clinical, and research settings.

Working arrangement and pay

This is a full-time onsite role based in Auckland, New Zealand. The working pattern is 40 hours per week.

The fixed-term contract runs for 24 months.

Salary is offered at $126,863 to $158,904 for Senior Lecturer level, and $165,808 for Associate Professor level.

About GCG and PMI

Grafton Clinical Genomics is an ISO15189-accredited genomics laboratory hosted by the University of Auckland. It operates as a hybrid clinical-research platform within the Auckland Academic Health Alliance and works closely with Te Toka Tumai Auckland Hospital to align academic innovation with clinical delivery.

The Precision Medicine Initiative is a university-led strategic programme focused on enabling genomics and precision medicine in New Zealand. Its work spans translational genomics, clinical trials, workforce development, and infrastructure.

The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences brings together more than 4,000 students across six schools and is led by internationally recognised researchers.

The University of Auckland also offers significant computational, laboratory, and analytical facilities, and Auckland is often ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.

Benefits

• Access to strong research, teaching, and campus facilities
• Generous research and study leave
• A broad range of research and leadership development programmes

Application process

Applications need to be submitted online by 18 January 2026 to be considered.

Your application should include a cover letter, a CV that shows how your background matches the skills and experience listed, and the contact details of three referees.

For a confidential discussion, you may contact Professor Peter Browett at [email protected]. Questions are welcome, but applications sent by email will not be accepted.

Equity and inclusion

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and to delivering equitable outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and fair environment. Support is available and further information is provided for Māori, Pacific peoples, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work, and other personal circumstances.

For more details, the position description should be reviewed.