Research Funding Advisor

Job Description:

Te Rūpō Rangahau| Research & Innovation
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Fixed-term position for six months from the commencement date
• 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

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

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

UC's Research & Innovation team are looking for an enthusiastic Research Funding Advisor to support the development of partnerships and research ideas in order to grow the University’s research income. The role has an understanding of the New Zealand funding system and sources of international and philanthropic funding, alongside an understanding of own UC’s research capabilities.

With guidance from the Research Funding Associates, the role works alongside university academic staff and Faculties on the development of high quality funding proposals. It supports connections with external stakeholders, identifies appropriate funding sources and enables professional applications to be submitted to New Zealand and international contestable funding agencies. It also provides support to ensure reporting is appropriately managed.

Mōu | Who You Are

We are looking for someone with research funding experience and excellent communication and engagement skills - this role involves working closely with multiple teams at UC and the ability to develop relationships and build trust is key. You will have a "can do" approach which will inspire and enthuse others, ready to take the lead in driving forward initiatives.

This role is based in Christchurch and requires on-campus availability, while also offering flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

In addition, you will also ideally have the following:

• Experience in the development of contestable and negotiated research funding proposals within a university or related context.
• Strong desire to work as part of a team and to go above and beyond to support colleagues.
• Strong written and oral communication, listening, and constructive feedback skills.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The Research & Innovation team within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor's Office supports and provides over-arching vision and leadership within UC's award-winning and prestigious research arena. As a team we work collaboratively and are skilled in creative thinking to build national and international linkages for fundamental and applied research.

For more information about our team, please visit us at Research & Innovation.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

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: 18 May 2026 (midnight, NZ time)*Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date*.

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.

Job Details

Reference #	31589
Posted on	08 May 2026
Closes on	18 May 2026 23:55
Location(s)	Christchurch
Expertise	Administration, Communications, Research & Development
Job level(s)	Experienced
Work type(s)	Fixed term full-time
More details (document)	Research Funding Advisor PD 2026.pdf

Posted: 08/05/2026