Rainbow Community Testing Assistant – Health Research - 3 months - Multiple positions available

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties and 13 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching, and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific. 

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on our student body and scholarly community, and we work with both the community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the people of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to sustainability.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Multiple positions available across Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch

Are you a reliable, people-focused person with excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of empathy and confidentiality?

We have multiple Tester positions available across Aotearoa New Zealand, offering an opportunity to play an important role in a population health research study.

You’ll join the Sex and Prevention of Transmission Study (SPOTS) team, working directly with participants (primarily men who have sex with men (MSM)) at venues in your local area. You’ll be responsible for supporting participants through the testing process, providing a welcoming and respectful experience while maintaining a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and care.

This is a people-focused role where your ability to build trust, communicate sensitively and make people feel comfortable will be essential.

Testers will be based onsite at participating venues and will need to be available to work across Monday to Sunday, including daytime and some evening shifts. Some flexibility to be on call may also be required.

We’re looking for reliable, approachable and empathetic people who are comfortable working with diverse communities and can maintain full confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Salary: $35 per hour
Start date: 1 February 2027
End date: 30 April 2027
Availability: Full-time availability across Monday to Sunday, including some evenings and the ability to be on call when required
Location: Onsite at participating venues

Training will be provided, and you’ll receive full support from the SPOTS team throughout the study. You don’t need to have previous experience as a Tester — we’re looking for people with the right attitude, interpersonal skills and commitment to providing a positive participant experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We welcome applications from people of all genders, sexual identities, backgrounds and skillsets.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with a diverse range of people.
• A high level of empathy, discretion and confidentiality when working with participants and sensitive information.
• A professional, approachable and non-judgemental manner.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow processes and instructions accurately.
• A high level of reliability and commitment, including the flexibility to work across different days and times.
• Confidence working independently at venues while also being part of a wider research team.
• The ability to remain calm, supportive and professional in sensitive or potentially challenging situations.

Experience working in a healthcare, community, customer-facing, research or other people-focused environment would be advantageous but is not essential as full training and support will be provided.

Experience working with rainbow communities or an understanding of the communities involved in the research would also be highly desirable.

If you’re a reliable, empathetic and people-focused individual who would enjoy making a meaningful contribution to health research in Aotearoa, we’d love to hear from you.

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 of 7th November 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV, highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above, and your preferred location

Please reach out to Sharon Kishore (Recruitment Consultant) via sharon.kishore@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Qualifications

Additional Information

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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