"Research Operations Coordinator"

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for a Research Operations Coordinator to join the MĀPIHI Māori and Pacific Housing Research Centre and become an integral part of our supportive and collaborative team.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will provide operational, administrative, and coordination support to the Centre’s Directors, Research Operations Manager, and researchers. Your work will help ensure the smooth running of the Centre’s activities and support research that contributes to meaningful outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities.

You’ll play an important role in helping projects run effectively, coordinating activities and supporting relationships with partners and stakeholders across Aotearoa and internationally.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing operational and administrative support to the research centre and its leadership team
• Coordinating governance and advisory meetings, including preparing documentation and supporting reporting requirements
• Supporting compliance with funder and University guidelines across research projects
• Assisting with financial administration including budgeting support, purchasing, and monitoring expenditure
• Coordinating research-related events such as workshops, symposia, and stakeholder engagements
• Maintaining systems, records, and databases to support research operations
• Supporting research grant and award administration in collaboration with internal research support teams
• Liaising with researchers, University teams, and external partners across institutions and organisations
• Supporting communications activities including maintaining website and social media content

This is a great opportunity to contribute to research that has real-world impact, while working with passionate colleagues in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.

This is a part-time role working 22.5 hours per week on a fixed-term contract until the end of 2026.

The salary range for this role is $63,600 - $79,300, prorated based on qualifications and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an organised, proactive, and approachable professional who enjoys supporting teams and helping projects run smoothly. You take pride in delivering high-quality work and enjoy working with a wide range of people.

You bring strong coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive and collaborative approach.

Ngā pūkenga motuhake | Important skills and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree or relevant tertiary qualification
• Around 3–4 years’ experience in research administration, project coordination, or operational support within a complex organisation
• Experience supporting financial, contractual, or reporting processes
• Proven customer service and stakeholder engagement experience
• Strong organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence using Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel

Experience working in a tertiary education or research environment would be beneficial.

We also value candidates who bring cultural awareness and experience working with Māori or Pacific communities and stakeholders, or who are committed to learning and supporting these relationships.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 16th April 2026 to be considered. In addition to your CV, please also include a cover letter, telling us why you’d be a great fit for the role, and why you’d be excited to join our team.

Please reach out to Dr Catherine Wright via cs.wright@auckland.ac.nz, for more information. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.