Becoming an Investigator

The MacDiarmid Institute is New Zealand’s premier research institute focused on advanced materials and nanotechnology. We are a multi-disciplinary consortium of five universities and two research institutes. Our scientists work at one of our partner institutes in one or more of our Research Programmes.

All our investigators have met strict criteria to be accepted as Principal Investigators (PIs), Associate Investigators (AIs) or Institute Affiliate (IAs). We provide them with additional resources, including access to our highly sophisticated tools, and facilitate collaboration with MacDiarmid Institute researchers and others.

Principal Investigators

Our Principal Investigator cohort represents New Zealand’s leading physical scientists and engineers in the fields of advanced materials and nanotechnology.

Principal Investigators receive a proportion of their FTE plus a contribution to their travel and operational expenses in support of their excellent research and other Institute based activities. They also have access to studentships and other internal funds under a competitive application scheme.

If you are interested in applying for Principal Investigator status please contact our Institute Manager, Rosie Wayte.

Associate Investigators

Our Associate Investigators advance our goals and their contribution to the Institute’s many collaborations complement and strengthen our activities.

Associate Investigators enjoy many benefits including access to resources that they would not otherwise have, such as research networks, facilities and professional development. Admission to the Institute is dependent on strict criteria being met, including being based in New Zealand, and collaborating with at least two MacDiarmid Institute Principal Investigators or Associate Investigators at the commencement of the role. They also have access to internal funds under a competitive application scheme.

Please note that we are not currently accepting any new applications for Associate Investigator status as the Institute prepares for its mid-term review. We will reopen applications in approximately late 2024. If you would be interested in applying once applications reopen, please contact our Institute Manager, Rosie Wayte, and she will take a note of your details. 

Institute Affiliates

Institute Affiliate status recognises outreach partnerships, research collaborations and other contributions that complement and strengthen our activities.

Institute Affiliates enjoy many benefits including access to resources that they would not otherwise have, such as research networks, facilities and some Institute events. Admission to the Institute is dependent on strict criteria being met. They do not have direct access to internal funds.

If you are interested in applying for Institute Affiliate status, please see the application criteria and process here, or contact our Institute Manager, Rosie Wayte.