• Have you completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field?
• Are you interested in practical, hands-on laboratory research involving minerals, materials and chemical engineering?
• Can you work safely and accurately in a laboratory environment, following procedures and handling laboratory equipment and materials?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a qualified and highly motivated Kairuruku - Research Assistant to join Paihau – Robinson Research Institute on a fixed-term, full-time basis.

Paihau - Robinson works closely with commercial partners and carries out mission-oriented R&D. You should have the desire to see your work implemented with partners and the ambition to develop your research career within an academic R&D environment as well as the ability to conceptualise and originate new ideas that are outside industry norms.
 
You will focus on the beneficiation, leaching and refining of New Zealand minerals, working as part of a wider multi-institute programme. This work will be based as part of the Clean Materials team at the Robinson Research Institute’s satellite site at 68 Gracefield Road in Lower Hutt, Wellington.

Key responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor experimental laboratory-scale reactor systems over multi-hour duration experiments.
• Prepare mineral samples using laboratory equipment, including the crushing, grinding, and sieving of materials.
• Assist in the collection of analytical data using a variety of techniques, including XRF and XRD measurements.
• Present progress reports in weekly project meetings.
• Accurately follow provided standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Work safely in a laboratory environment, including in the operation of machinery and the safe handling of hazardous chemicals.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The preferred candidate will:

• Have a keen interest in advancing technological developments through the application of novel materials and chemical engineering, and in furthering fundamental understanding.
• Have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or related fields.
• Be keen to engage in practical, hands-on work in a laboratory environment, with practical implementation skills and a passion for detail-orientated work.
• Understand the basic principles of chemical reactions, with some prior experience with the handling of hazardous substances helpful but not required.
• Bring a positive attitude to work with staff and students alike and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be a strong team player able to work closely with collaborators from multiple partner organisations.
• Be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment alongside other high-performing researchers.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 30 October 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact Jeannie Redman (jeannie.redman@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.