Associate Professor of Health AI

• Join the prestigious Liggins Institute, dedicated to improving lifelong health through excellent research into the determinants of a healthy life
• Inspire our motivated students and collaborate with world-class colleagues
• Live and work in New Zealand’s largest, most cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city 

The University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s pre-eminent higher education institution and a comprehensive, research-intensive university. This is reflected in our global ranking of 65 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, and our position as the only university in New Zealand ranked in the top 12 of both THE University Impact Rankings (#12) and QS Sustainability Rankings for 2024 (#5).

The Liggins Institute is one of the world’s leading research centres dedicated to improving lifelong health through excellent research into early life development and its long-term consequences, translating its research into better health for New Zealand’s and the world’s future generations.

Established in 2001, the Institute has 130 multidisciplinary, predominantly research-active staff members and revenue of $26 million annually, with a track record of hosting national research collaborations. The Institute hosts three university research platforms: the Human Health Research Platform, Ngapouri Research Farm, Analytical and Molecular Research Platform, and also hosts a Clinical Genomics facility.

The Liggins Institute seeks to appoint an internationally connected scholar who focuses on medical applications of AI as Associate Professor of AI Health. There is an opportunity for a joint appointment with the School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, if this is of interest to the successful candidate.

We invite applications from active researchers, close to or already at the Associate Professor level, with experience in aspects of health-focused computational biology or Artificial Intelligence, including computational precision medicine using cutting-edge data science and machine learning approaches.

Responsible for developing and maintaining a high-quality research program and producing impactful publications in AI Health and related areas, you will contribute to improvements in paediatric patient health, health delivery, disease diagnostics, and therapeutic discovery.

With a passion for research mentorship of postgraduate students, a collaborative approach to establishing and growing local and international research networks, and contributing to the reputation and profile of the Liggins Institute and the University of Auckland.

The University of Auckland is uniquely positioned in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Asia- Pacific. It is New Zealand’s largest university, with over 40,000 students and an international centre of learning and academic excellence. The University’s mission and values place a strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community. We work with communities to advance the well-being of the people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and beyond.

The Liggins Institute is located on our Grafton campus, alongside the Faculty of Medical and Health Science (ranked in the top 100 universities in medical disciplines in the QS world ranking) and adjacent to Auckland City Hospital and Starship Children’s Hospital.

We aspire to contribute to a fair, ethical and sustainable society, reflecting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our foundational relationship with tangata whenua. The University is committed to a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential in an inclusive and collaborative community of scholars. We welcome applications that will enhance the diversity of our staff and strengthen our links with diverse communities.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is a vibrant cosmopolitan place with an abundance of natural features, including a stunning harbour and accessible coastline, native bush and moderate temperatures, which help us to retain our reputation as one of the best cities in the world in which to live.

Applications must be submitted by 11 August 2024 (further details in the Candidate Booklet).

For a confidential discussion and further information about the role, please contact the University of Auckland as below:

Dr Kathrin Soehnel, University of Auckland, email: k.soehnel@auckland.ac.nz