Point of Care (POC) Diagnostics: Christchurch Heart Institute

Overview

The Christchurch Heart Institute (CHI), at the University of Otago, Christchurch, is a world-renowned cardiovascular research group that covers the entire spectrum from basic biochemistry, analytical testing, complex genetics, pre-clinical and clinical studies.

We are regular contributors to large international study consortia and are also sought out by the pharmaceutical and in vitro diagnostic industries.

The role

A full time 3 year, fully funded PhD position in Point of Care (POC) diagnostics is available in our Translational Biodiscovery Laboratory (including stipend, tuition fees and approved PhD costs), in collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury.

We are seeking expressions of interest from PhD enrolment eligible candidates with experience or exposure to:

• Microfluidic assay development for the detection of protein biomarkers
• Sensor development and its use to measure biological signals
• Product design and prototype assembly
• Biological laboratory assay methodologies and protocols

An understanding of POC/Rapid tests, and/or immunoassay development (incl. multiplexed ELISA, antibody conjugation or lateral flow assay development) would be highly advantageous.

Some exposure to ISO9001 and device regulatory requirements would also be highly advantageous.

Skills and experience

The successful candidate will be expected to meet the University of Otago, New Zealand standard entry requirements for PhD and any other entry requirements such as ESOL competency.

They will be expected to work independently, organise and prioritise tasks effectively, and meet key milestones for successful completion of the PhD.

Further, the ability to design, execute, analyse and interpret experimental results is a key outcome endpoint for the PhD.

The successful candidate will join a team of biomedical scientists, technicians, engineers, clinicians and data scientists to build a prototype POC device that can be used in remote settings, evaluating its performance with existing samples from our clinical studies.

The candidate can expect extensive, world class supervision and training from the combined expertise overseeing this project.

Travel (~15min) between the CHI, University of Otago, Christchurch, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, will be required on an ad hoc basis.

Further information

The intended start date for this position will be 1 October, 2025, however, a start date any time up to 1 February 2026 is acceptable.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand or be able to obtain a New Zealand student visa within two months of being offered the position.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago