We’re seeking a Senior Researcher / Analyst to provide robust research and analysis that will further inform our work and assist our focus on evidence-informed decision making.
The role
As the Senior Researcher you will provide a regular, systematic review of national and international information on transport safety, across our modes of interest (marine, rail and aviation). Your work will provide the team and Commission with developments, trends, behavioural patterns, risks, and international academic literature on transport safety.
Your findings will assist our work across investigations and the wider safety sphere, provide contextual information, identify safety themes, have input into broader and systemic safety issues, improve investigation analysis, and champion our evidence-informed decision making culture.
You’ll also provide research and analysis organisationally, in terms of performance reporting, our influence on safety systems, and input into Commission responses to Ministerial and other State Sector agency requests.
About the organisation
An independent crown entity, TAIC investigates significant transport accidents across the three modes of aviation, rail, and marine, with a view to avoiding similar occurrences in the future. Multi-disciplinary teams investigate and analyse the circumstances of these occurrences, supporting the Commission to consider the facts, and make findings and recommendations to improve transport safety, rather than to ascribe blame.
Skilled investigators, led by an Investigator in Charge, attend accident sites, often in remote locations, to gather evidence for each particular investigation within these three modes.
The investigation process leads to a report outlining the findings and safety recommendations for consideration by the Commission.
The Commission’s vision is “No Repeat Accidents – Ever!”
Skills and experience
To be successful in this role, our ideal applicant will have:
- a research based degree in applied or social science
- experience in a research and analysis role
- a sound degree of competency in relational database manipulation using SQL, Power BI and other tools
- a passion for data analytics and data warehouse/lake development and improvement
- strong technical and business writing skills
- the ability to easily convey in plain language what might be complex and technical findings
- excellent attention to detail and time management skills.
Ideally, you’ll have experience from within the transport sector too.
Do note you may be exposed to accident reports, data and information which highlight evidential aspects from accident scenes, so a level of personal maturity is required.
A new role, this is a rare opportunity to seize the day, fully immerse yourself in the role and make it your own! Your work will have impact as it will directly integrate into our broader work from an investigation, safety system, and organisational perspective.
You’ll be joining a caring and collaborative team who have a one-team ethos, care deeply about their work, and are focused on influencing strong safety outcomes in line with the Commission’s vision of ‘no repeat accidents – ever!’
How to apply
For a full job description or to chat about this role, please contact Jacaleen Williams on 021 732 996 at Talent International.
To apply, please click the Apply button, attaching your CV and an impressive cover letter outlining your suitability. Applications close 5pm on Sunday 14 September 2025.
Please do note, to be eligible for this role you must already be in possession of the right to live and work in New Zealand.
