Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, with a turnover of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 45,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Our mission and values place strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Research Operations Coordinator to provide executive administrative and operational support to the Directors, Research Operations Manager and Researchers of the Maurice Wilkins Centre (MWC). You will be our hub of knowledge and provide advice and direction in the navigation of research support services both within and external to the University. Your key areas of focus are outlined below.

• Provide administration support and coordination, which will include all advisory and governance group meetings.
• Produce accurate, well presented and timely documents and presentations as directed.
• Liaise with researchers and institutions across the country to collate information for all required reports
• Assist with coordination and delivery of national and international research-related events, including symposia, workshops, official visits and public outreach, including event management and making travel arrangements/bookings as required.
• Maintain systems and databases and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Liaise with the University suppliers and organise business travel

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Maurice Wilkins Centre is hosted by Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland which is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia and undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological and computational sciences.

The MWC is one of ten national Centres of Research Excellence with a research focus on three areas of major human disease; cancer, metabolic diseases and infectious diseases. The Centre is a national multidisciplinary network that brings together over 500 biologists, chemists and computer scientists from postgraduate students through to leading academic researchers.

The MWC operations team provides operational and administrative support for the national research and outreach programmes of the centre. Working within our small, highly collaborative team you will have many opportunities to learn new skills in a supportive environment. The team works closely with other research and service support teams at the University of Auckland and our partner institutions across New Zealand providing you with the opportunity to make many new connections.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are seeking a person who has experience of, and a working understanding of academic/research environments. Ideally, someone who has a STEM background, as we have found this strengthens the understanding of the research environment and University practices. It is essential that you have a Bachelor’s degree or relevant tertiary qualification to be considered.

We are ideally looking for 2-3 years’ experience in the research management sector, but we will consider recent MSc graduates as well. We are looking for someone able to coordinate and manage research administration who is comfortable having multiple priorities and deadlines. You will need to be proficient in the use of the Microsoft suite of programmes, in particular Excel. 

You will impress if you are able to demonstrate that you are culturally responsive, with experience working with Māori and Pacific communities and stakeholders

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 itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

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

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

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of 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 6 December 2021 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Rochelle Ramsay via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

Covid-19 Vaccination

The University of Auckland is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of our staff and students.  All students, staff and visitors need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or medically exempt, in order to come onto our campuses or to take part in face-to-face University-managed activities. Therefore, we are only able to consider applicants who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a New Zealand Ministry of Health issued medical exemption and evidence of this will be requested as part of your employment. You can read more about the University’s vaccination policy here.

Overseas Applicants

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for seven days on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an offshore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz