Project Manager - Lung Cancer Screening

• Based in Palmerston North, Permanent Full-time with a hybrid working arrangement
• Help shape an equity-focused approach to a potential future lung cancer screening programme in Aotearoa.
• Bring research and project delivery together, working alongside Māori providers and a multidisciplinary Health Equity team.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

Help turn research into practical progress towards equitable health outcomes. As Project Manager, based in Palmerston North, you will provide programme and operational support for regional work that strengthens Māori provider input into the development of a potential future lung cancer screening pathway in Aotearoa. This is an opportunity to contribute to an approach that designs equity in from the outset.

You will coordinate research activities and project workstreams, develop practical tools and processes, and support robust data collection, analysis and reporting. Working with the Research Manager and wider team, you will help Māori provider staff build confidence in project-specific data systems, safeguard data quality and integrity, and keep research objectives and deadlines on track. Your work will also contribute to evaluation, continuous improvement and the effective management of research resources.

About the Team and Location

Based in Palmerston North, you will join the PFO Health Equity team and report to the Lung Cancer Screening Team Manager. The team undertakes projects and implementation science-based research to address inequities in life expectancy and create opportunities for Māori health gain. You will collaborate with Māori providers, research partners, clinical and academic collaborators, and colleagues across Health New Zealand, connecting evidence with the practical needs of programme delivery.

About you

You are an organised, collaborative research or project management professional who can translate complex information into practical action. You bring a higher degree in a relevant discipline and at least five years' research or project management experience in an academic or health setting, or two years' postdoctoral experience. Experience in health research, particularly Māori-led or Pacific-led research, research management, public health or screening would be an advantage. You will bring:

• Experience putting Te Tiriti o Waitangi into action and a commitment to equitable health outcomes.
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing tasks and meet research deadlines.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and building trusted relationships with partners and study participants.
• The ability to support research data collection, quality, analysis and reporting, with a focus on data integrity and safety.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to support others to use research tools, systems and processes effectively.
• Sound judgement, personal accountability and the ability to work independently and escalate clinical or project risks.
• An adaptable, curious approach and a commitment to ethical research, continuous improvement and an inclusive working environment.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply, please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59PM Monday 16 November 2026. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.