Job Description

Job Description

• Do you have a PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, or similar?
• Are you organised and systematic in your approach to experimental design, laboratory practice, and record keeping?
• Have you got knowledge of, and experience in, protein engineering, particularly with AI-driven computational design tools?

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role 

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Kairuruku – Research Fellow in Protein Design to join the group led by Professor Wayne Patrick on a two-year fixed-term, full-time contract. 

The successful candidate will join a well-funded research programme at the interface of biochemistry and immunology, which aims to design new vaccines against diseases with pandemic-inducing potential. The Kairuruku – Research Fellow will implement a Design-Build-Test-Learn workflow that uses AI-driven protein design tools and high-throughput screening to evaluate novel antigens for their usefulness when deployed as RNA vaccines.

Key responsibilities:

• Design novel proteins computationally, and then conduct the relevant experiments to characterise and rank them.
• Contribute to the supervision and training of students and/or other team members.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication.
• Engage with collaborators (locally, nationally and internationally).

Ō pūmanawa – About you

You are passionate about fast-paced, innovative and impactful research. You are driven to design novel vaccines against diseases with pandemic-inducing potential. You thrive at the interface between AI-driven protein design and laboratory-based experiments to test your designs. Above all, you are excited to contribute your expertise to a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.

Key requirements:

• A PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, or similar, along with evidence of high-quality research outputs.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, protein engineering. In particular, this will include experience with AI-driven computational design tools as well as functional characterisation of top-ranked designs. Relevant experience will also include high-throughput screening in vitro and/or in cultured mammalian cells.
• An organised and systematic approach to experimental design, laboratory practice and record keeping.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Able to relate to—and work synergistically with—a diverse range of staff and students within the research environment.

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 careers page. 

Close date for vacancy: 16 April 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Wayne Patrick (wayne.patrick@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. You will be required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), which should highlight publications relevant to this project and should also include the names and contact details of three academic/scientific referees. Along with a CV, you must also submit a short cover letter explaining your motivation for the role and why you believe you will be a good fit for it. 

Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Mō Te Herenga Waka – About Our University

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington – the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand – and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe – Why you should join our team

Discover Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora – School of Biological Sciences! Immerse yourself in innovative programs in biomedical science, biotechnology, and conservation biology. Collaborate with award-winning researchers driving breakthroughs in climate change and coral reef conservation. Be part of a vibrant community pushing the boundaries of biological sciences and making impactful discoveries!