Cohort and Assessment Manager (Christchurch)

Job Description:

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CHRISTCHURCH HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT STUDY
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE | TE TARI WHAKAORA HINENGARO TANGATA
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, CHRISTCHURCH | TE KAUPEKA WHAIORA, ŌTAUTAHI

The Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) is one of New Zealand’s longest running and most influential longitudinal cohort studies. Established in 1977, the study has followed 1,265 individuals from birth, conducting annual assessments until age 16 and periodic follow-ups thereafter.

The study provides valuable insights into psychological, social, and health-related outcomes across the lifespan. The study has produced over 500 published outputs and has made a substantial contribution to public policy in New Zealand over more than 40 years.

Te mahi | The role

We are seeking a Cohort and Assessment Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations for the Age 50 assessment phase, ensuring activities run smoothly and efficiently while maintaining strong engagement with study members and supporting the wider research team. Key tasks for this role will include:

• Overseeing daily assessment operations and coordinating participant scheduling and communication.
• Arranging participant travel, accommodation, and reimbursements.
• Supporting interviewer rostering and coordinating assessment logistics.
• Acting as a key contact for study members and liaising with external investigators.
• Supporting general coordination, including meetings, website updates, and media/social media management.

Kā pūkeka me kā wheako | Your skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and experience working with data and databases. You will be confident in data entry, cleaning, and basic analysis, with good problem-solving ability. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage priorities effectively are also essential. You will also have:

• A master’s degree in a relevant science or health-related field.
• Significant experience coordinating complex, university-based research projects.
• Experience coordinating complex logistical processes.
• Familiarity with university research environments

Pūroko | Further details

This is a part-time (0.5 FTE), fixed term (two years) position, located in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

The appointment range for this position is $75,631 to $80,503. Top of range $88,750 pro rata.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

Please direct any questions regarding the role to the Director, Associate Professor James Foulds via the below contact details.

Tono | Application

To submit your application (including CV and Cover Letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600929 will close on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

Additional Information Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Contact: Associate Professor James Foulds

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Christchurch