Research Fellow – School of Psychology (Dementia, Auditory Perception and Music) - 14-month fixed-term

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Explore the science of sound, music, and dementia

What happens to our perception of sound and music as we age, and what might this tell us about dementia?

We’re looking for a Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research team investigating the preservation of auditory perception in dementia and the role of music in dementia care.

This is an opportunity to contribute to research of cognitive science, auditory perception, ageing, and dementia, working with older adults and people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. You’ll be involved across the research lifecycle — from designing and delivering auditory-perception studies and engaging with participants, through to analysing data, publishing findings and sharing research with academic, clinical and community audiences.

You’ll work closely with the Principal Investigator, Clinical Director, and wider research team, as well as colleagues and partners connected to the Dementia Prevention Research Clinics. There will also be opportunities to contribute to the intellectual community of the Music Lab and School of Psychology.

Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Responsibilities (not limited to):

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, Clinical Director, and wider research team, you will contribute to the delivery of the project across a range of research activities. This will include:

• Designing and implementing auditory-perception research involving older adults and people living with dementia.
• Supporting participant recruitment and engagement across relevant research and clinical settings.
• Collecting, managing, analysing and interpreting research data.
• Preparing research findings and contributing to high-quality publications and other research outputs.
• Presenting findings at conferences, workshops, and other relevant forums.
• Contributing to knowledge translation and communication activities arising from the research.
• Working collaboratively with research, clinical, and community partners.
• Supporting and mentoring research students where appropriate.

**Start date 1st July 2027**

This is a full -time (40 hours per week), 14-month fixed-term position.

The remuneration is $99,788 (RF1) per annum

For more detailed information on the role, accountabilities, and requirements, please review the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’ll have a PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience or a related discipline, together with research experience in cognitive science or a related field.

Experience working in research and/or care settings with older adults, particularly people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, is important. You’ll also bring strong academic writing, project management and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Experience with R for data analysis, experiment development using JavaScript, Python or a related language, supervision or coordination of research assistants, or ecological momentary assessment methods would be an advantage.

A strong publication record in cognitive science or a related discipline would also be welcomed.

**If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to also consider applying for the related role. Further information is available here**

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. 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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date, 13th October 2026, to be considered.

The application must include:

• Cover Letter and CV, including a list of publications and preprints, and the names of people who can provide academic references.

Please reach out to Samuel Mehr (Senior Lecturer - Psychology) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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Equity

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz