Māori Research Assistant 0.25fte (19 hours per fortnight)

The University of Auckland, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Fixed term: Current – September 30th 2024

Closing the Knowledge Gap: What Factors May Affect Cleft Lip and Palate?

From 2021 we have had a Māori Research Assistant working alongside the Project Manager for this research. This role has added value to this research in a number of important ways.

Key qualities for this role:

• A display of Manaakitanga in demonstrating integrity, sincerity and respect towards Māori beliefs, language and culture
• Whakawhanaungatanga, establishing relationships with whānau

Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CL/P) affects one baby out of 560 babies born, which may surprise you. It is a very common condition. Māori have a higher rate cleft palate than non-Māori in Aotearoa. With investigation we may be able to identify a genetic or gene + environment factor as to why this may occur and we may be able to address this.

This role will reach out to Māori who qualify for this study whether pēpi has a cleft or whether they are a non-cleft participant.

The appointee will be supported by the current research team, including the Māori Steering Committee, who’ve been working together since 2018.

For more information about this role and a position description, please contact Louise by email: l.ayrey@auckland.ac.nz or call me on 021318052