Research Associate / Postdoctoral Fellow, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Fixed-term (2-years) position (with the opportunity of a 2-year extension)
Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in CEE you will apply specialist research-related skills in numerical reservoir modelling, develop new knowledge in heat, mass and mineral transport through magma-hydrothermal systems, and undertake research-related tasks and contribute towards the externally-funded project Next-Generation Ore.

This research program is a five-year project funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE). The position is fully supported by this funding. The role will require you to collaborate with other Researchers and may be responsible for other aspects of the research project.

This position is for 2 years, with the possibility to renew for a further 2 years.

Mōu | Who You Are
To be successful in this role you will require expert knowledge in magma-hydrothermal systems, geochemical modelling and/or numerical reservoir modelling, as well as:

PhD degree in a relevant field of geoscience or reservoir engineering (or close to obtaining one)
demonstrable experience of excellent research capabilities required to carry out innovative and insightful research
a publication track record as well as experience with preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations to a wide range of audiences is essential
a proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to a wide variety or groups including scientific and non-scientific audiences
ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
ability to relate well to and mentor students
actively and constructively participates in discussions on own performance
demonstrate an understanding of multicultural issues and display a commitment to The Treaty of Waitangi.
Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
The CEE team remain at the forefront of research and technology and preserve a strong international reputation for high quality teaching. We aim to constantly develop our alumni and industry partnerships, to provide students with the highest level of training, and to expand the scope of our research expertise by attracting and retaining highly-skilled academic and support staff.

For more information about our department and team, please visit our website.

Please take a virtual tour of our Engineering facilities.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we Offer
We offer a range of benefits. For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/ .
For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: Sunday, 28 February 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Appointable salary for a Research Associate / Postdoctoral Fellow will be $74,000 - $90,000 (p.a.).

Please note: Candidates whose Doctorate has not yet been formally conferred (including those who have completed all requirements or have submitted and are awaiting conferral), will be appointed under the title “Research Associate”, with remuneration aligned to the Research Associate salary scale noted above. Once the Doctorate has been formally conferred, the title will be updated to “Postdoctoral Fellow” and the salary adjusted accordingly.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume. Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Associate Professor David Dempsey (david.dempsey@canterbury.ac.nz) to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.

Job Details
Reference #
30256

Posted on
19 Jan 2026

Closes on
28 Feb 2026 23:55

Location(s)
Christchurch

Expertise
Education & Training, Engineering, Research & Development

Job level(s)
Entry/Graduate

Work type(s)
Fixed term full-time