"Higher Research Degree Advisor"

Job Description:

• Are you people-focused with sound administration experience?
• Do you enjoy interacting with individuals from a range of backgrounds?
• Can you manage multiple tasks while maintaining a positive outlook?

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Join our small, high-performing team and play a vital role in supporting postgraduate research at the University of Waikato. In this fast-paced and rewarding role, you will provide advice and administrative support to higher degree research students and the academic staff who supervise them. You’ll engage directly with students and supervisors, coordinate research workshops and events, and ensure the smooth delivery of key processes, including applications, progress reporting, completions, and examinations. We’re looking for someone with sharp attention to detail, an empathetic approach, sound judgement, cultural awareness, and the ability to thrive under pressure. If you enjoy working with people, take pride in delivering excellent service, and have an interest in academic research, we want to hear from you.

For more information about Te Mata Kairangi School of Graduate Research please visit: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/sgr/

The salary for this role will be in the range of $71,275 to $84,695 per annum (pro rata), commensurate with the skills, knowledge, and experience you bring. This is a fixed-term, full-time position (37.5 hours per week) providing 13 months’ parental leave cover. The role is ideally expected to commence in March and will be based at our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

As a “people” person you will demonstrate your commitment to providing high-level customer service, leading with empathy and professionalism. You will enjoy getting to know our postgraduate students, supporting their research journey, and interacting with staff and any external stakeholders who are connected to the School of Graduate Research. In addition, you will be able to demonstrate inclusive approaches to supporting people from varying backgrounds and cultures.

Using your strong communication skills, you will provide accurate and up-to-date advice and information on postgraduate research regulations and procedures, coordinate and deliver workshops and events. You will be able to showcase your administration and digital abilities as you manage this varied role and support postgraduate students and academic supervisors to navigate the administrative aspects of their academic journey.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The School of Graduate Research is responsible for the strategic leadership and provision of services and administrative support for all postgraduate higher research degree programmes at the University of Waikato. Our vision is to provide a stimulating, supportive and inclusive experience for postgraduate researchers and a professional, efficient and collaborative service for the wider University through a commitment to growing postgraduate recruitment, research success, career development and wellbeing.

The School also manages all of the University’s centrally funded scholarships, as well as many of those offered by the Divisions and external stakeholders.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Friday 30th January 2026

Requisition Number: 1003278