Te Pūnaha Matatini – the meeting place of many faces – is a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence that carries out interdisciplinary research into complex systems and networks. We have a particular focus on complex data analytics, economic and social systems, as well as natural ecosystems.
Te Pūnaha Matatini is currently looking for up to ten new associate investigators who can complement our existing research programme or enable us to develop new research programmes. Associate investigators should be researchers who are New Zealand-based, and who have demonstrated the ability or potential to conduct research in areas of relevance to Te Pūnaha Matatini.Associate investigators are not eligible for direct funding, but will be supported to attend investigator meetings and engage in Te Pūnaha Matatini research projects. In 2017, Te Pūnaha Matatini will be seeking to appoint new principal investigators. Associate investigators who have already established strong relationships with the Centre will be in a strong position to take up these positions.Application detailsAnyone interested in becoming an associate investigator should send a cover letter and an academic CV to Sarah Hikuroa, Te Pūnaha Matatini’s Coordinator (s.hikuroa@auckland.ac.nz) by end of business on Tuesday July 19th 2016. The letter should outline their intentions to contribute to Te Pūnaha Matatini’s research programme, either through existing projects or through developing new projects. The letter should also mention any broader contributions that the investigator could make as well as any collaborations with existing investigators that may exist. Applications will be considered by Te Pūnaha Matatini’s Research Committee, taking into account the merit of the application, the strategic fit of the proposed collaboration, and the resources available within the Centre for accommodating the investigator.Te Pūnaha Matatini is committed to increasing diversity in the research community, and applicants from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Te Pūnaha Matatini is also a family-friendly Centre of Research Excellence, with a commitment to rewarding merit relative to opportunity, and to applying best practice in enabling opportunity.Role of Associate InvestigatorsTe Pūnaha Matatini’s associate investigators will typically be researchers at an academic institution, Crown Research Institute or independent research institute, with an interest in complex systems or networks, data analytics, economic and social systems, and natural ecosystems.Associate investigators are responsible for:- Actively collaborating on Centre research projects and/or
- Actively collaborating on Te Pūnaha Matatini’s broader strategic goals
- Conducting their research and other activities in accordance with Te Pūnaha Matatini’s ethical and professional policies.
It is expected that associate investigators be involved, or have the potential to be involved, in at least one Centre project, research or otherwise. Associate investigators are also requested to use their Te Pūnaha Matatini affiliation in all contexts relevant to the Centre. Associate investigators are also expected to contribute to annual reporting.
Associate investigators are eligible to:- apply for Centre funds to support PhD students and post-docs
- apply for Centre funds to support activities that support Te Pūnaha Matatini’s strategic goals
- attend Centre workshops and the annual investigator Centre forum.
The Research Committee will review the role of associate investigators annually.