"Research Contracts Advisor"

Job Description:

Te Rōpū Rangahau | Research & Innovation

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
• Permanent position
• Generous annual leave provisions and professional development opportunities

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Research Contracts Advisor? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

The Research & Innovation (R&I) department are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Contracts Advisor to join our dynamic team. This is a unique and varied role where you will play a critical part in facilitating and supporting research and innovation, from initial funding through to commercialisation.

As a Research Contracts Advisor, you will provide expert advice, guidance, and support in the establishment, management, and oversight of research and consultancy contracts. You will work collaboratively with academic staff, internal teams such as Financial Services, Departments and Institutes, as well as external organisations and funders to ensure the smooth administration and management of contracts and financial reporting processes.

In this pivotal role, you will provide expert advice and guidance on contracting services for all research and consultancy activities at UC. You will:

• Manage the establishment of research and consultancy contracts, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Advise academics, funders, and subcontractors on contract terms, budgets, milestones, and deliverables.
• Review and negotiate contract variations, ensuring compliance with University policy and funder requirements.
• Monitor contract performance, financial reporting, and risk management throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate records in the Research Management System and ensure all approvals are in place.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external funders to support UC’s research success.

Mōu | Who You Are

You will be a proactive and detail-oriented professional with a strong understanding of contract management and financial oversight. You will also have:

• A Bachelor’s degree (NZQA Level 7) and at least 5 years’ experience in senior administration, including experience in advising on policies and procedures.
• Experience in contracting or procurement, risk management, and intellectual property.
• Strong budgeting and basic accounting knowledge.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• High computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will join the Research & Innovation team, working closely with academic staff, Colleges, Financial Services, and external funders, contributing to a collaborative and mana-enhancing environment.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can, and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here.

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

We offer a range of fantastic benefits including flexible work practices, study opportunities and generous superannuation and leave provisions. For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc. For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 7th January, 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

Please note, the University of Canterbury will be closed from the 24 December 2025 - 4 January 2026. During this period, we will be unable to respond to queries regarding this role. We will get back to you as soon as possible upon our return. Applications will be reviewed and interviews will take place in January 2026.