Research Fellow – School of Psychology (Psychological and Cultural Foundations of Music) 8 -month fixed term

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Are you interested in exploring how we hear, perceive and experience music?

Join an exciting research project investigating the psychological and cultural foundations of music.

As a Research Fellow, you’ll work alongside the Principal Investigator and research team to design and deliver citizen-science research on auditory perception. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of experiments, engage with research participants, and collect and analyse data.

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

You’ll play an important role in supporting the delivery of the project, including:

• Designing and implementing experiments focused on auditory perception
• Recruiting and engaging research participants
• Collecting, managing and analysing research data
• Interpreting findings and contributing to research publications and other outputs
• Working collaboratively with the research team on project planning, implementation and evaluation
• Communicating research findings through academic publications, conferences, workshops and other forums
• Contributing to related research opportunities and funding applications where appropriate
• Supporting research ethics, governance and University requirements.

You’ll also become part of the Music Lab and School of Psychology, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive research community.

Start date 1st November 2026

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), 8-month fixed-term position.

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

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 experience conducting research in cognitive science or a related field.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with experience in experimental research and data analysis. Experience developing experiments using JavaScript, Python or a related programming language, and analysing data using R, would be an advantage.

You may also bring experience supervising or coordinating research assistants, working with older adults or people living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, or using ecological momentary assessment methods.

You’ll be an organised and collaborative researcher with strong project management skills, excellent academic writing ability and the confidence to work independently.

**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