"CoRE Funding Applications and Research Contracts Advisor"

About our team | Mō te tīma

Coastal People: Southern Skies (CPSS) is a national Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE). The goal of CPSS is research excellence that transforms the realities for coastal peoples and coastal environments. Our vision is mauri ora of coastal communities. We are a collaboration that connects communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific with world-leading, cross-disciplinary research. Our mission is to connect, understand and restore the mauri of coastal ecosystems with communities of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific through transformative research, capability and capacity building.

The CPSS Operations Team supports the programme’s research, engagement, and collaborative activities through high‑quality administration, coordination, and operational support. We work in a dynamic environment where relationships, communication, and culturally grounded practice are central to our success.

The roles | Te mahi

In this role, you’ll work closely with academic staff, students and external parties to support the development of Centres of Research Excellence (CoRE) funding applications. You will provide strategic guidance to individuals and research groups, helping them align proposals with the priorities of funding organisations, while also offering coaching and project management advice to strengthen their skills throughout the application process.

Negotiating research contracts is also a key task and will involve recognising intellectual property and contributions of all partners. Building strong, collaborative relationships across the University to ensure a supportive and well connected research community will be key to your success. You will be contributing to a positive, inclusive, and well‑organised team environment.

Skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You will have a postgraduate research degree (preferably a PhD) and strong knowledge of New Zealand’s academic and research environment with deep familiarity with Aotearoa’s academic landscape. Your strategic project expertise, thoughtful communication, and genuine relationship building are supported by a professional, discreet, and warmly solutions focused approach.

Essential skills and experience required:

• Proven strategic project planning skills and experience supporting effective research management.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and evaluating research proposals.
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, with the ability to work diplomatically and motivate others.
• Highly organised, detail‑focused, professional, and able to manage multiple projects independently while maintaining discretion.
• Dedication to working in a culturally safe and respectful manner and demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and Pasifika values.
• Experience working within a university, research environment, or Indigenous‑focused programme is advantageous

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours), fixed-term (through to 30 April 2029) position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The salary level for this position is provisionally evaluated as $96,587 to $105,532, Top of Range $114,474 and is subject to change.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

We offer competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Amarni Thomas, Kaiurungi Programme Manager.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600440 will close on Sunday, 12 April 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Amarni Thomas

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Dunedin