Research Assistant Jobs

Job Opportunity: Research Assistant – Corporate Networks and Network Analysis

Location: Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland (Faculty of Law and Department of Commercial Law)
Position Type: Casual/Research Assistant (100 hours)
Timeline: Work to be completed by the end of the calendar year
Applications Close: Monday, 17 August

About the Project

Are you ready to map the real power dynamics of New Zealand’s corporate landscape? This exciting interdisciplinary research project (co-led by Dr Peter Underwood, Faculty of Law, and Dr Lynn Buckley, Department of Commercial Law) examines the informal networks that connect directors and major shareholders across NZX-listed companies.

Moving far beyond formal corporate structures, this project uses empirical dataset analysis and cutting-edge network visualisation to reveal how corporate control and influence actually operate in practice. Join us in producing high-impact research that challenges the status quo of contemporary corporate governance!

Key Responsibilities

• Data Analysis and Network Coding: Explore an existing dataset of NZX-listed companies to uncover and code the hidden relationships between companies, shareholders, and directors.
• Visualisations and Connections: Build, map, and generate compelling visual representations of interconnected networks and overlapping board/shareholder relationships.
• Analytical Memos: Translate complex data into clear, concise research summaries and analytical memoranda to directly support our ongoing legal and governance analysis.
  

Who Should Apply?

This role may suit a Part 3 student or Postgraduate student from either:

• The Business School with a background/experience in Organisational Studies, Statistics, or Commercial Law; OR
• The Faculty of Science with correlative experience in statistical analysis, data modelling, or network mapping.
  

Candidate Requirements

Essential Criteria:

• NVivo Expertise: You MUST be very experienced with NVivo software (importing, structuring, and coding data).
• Academic Excellence: A minimum academic average of 84% (A- / A average).
• Interest in Corporate Governance: A genuine curiosity and interest in corporate structures, company dynamics, or financial and governance markets.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision and accuracy when handling complex organisational datasets.
• Reliability and Project Management: Demonstrated ability to work independently and consistently deliver project milestones on time.
• Availability: Capacity to complete around 100 hours of research work by the end of the calendar year.

Desirable Criteria:

• Familiarity with SPSS and/or other statistical and data visualisation software is highly desirable.
  

How to Apply

Ready to map the networks of corporate Aotearoa? Send your application directly to Dr Lynn Buckley at lynn.buckley@auckland.ac.nz.
Your application must include:
1. An up-to-date CV.
2. Your current academic transcript.
3. A brief covering letter outlining your experience with NVivo, statistical analysis, and project execution.

Important Application Note:
Your cover letter MUST include the following signed declaration:
"I declare that none of the content submitted in this application has been influenced or generated by generative AI, including but not limited to structuring, planning, or review purposes."

Please note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Please contact Yuki Guo if you wish to advertise research assistant positions.

We have created a dedicated sheet for you to view profiles of PhD students who have registered their interest in Research Assistant opportunities. Each profile details the student’s specialties, skills, and areas of interest, making it easier for you to identify a strong match for your RA vacancies. Please follow the link below to browse the candidate listings.

To enhance the connection between PhD students and Research Assistant opportunities at our Business School, we have developed a registration form to streamline the process. This initiative aims to assist academic staff in efficiently identifying suitable candidates for available RA roles.

The registration form collects essential information about your research interests, expertise, and availability. The data will contribute to our Business School database, enabling academic staff to consider candidates who align with their project needs as opportunities arise.

We encourage all PhD students interested in RA positions to complete the registration form to ensure their details are included in this resource.