The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the largest and most highly ranked science faculty in New Zealand. We currently have a vacancy for a Research Programme Coordinator to join our team and support our researchers with effective research project coordination, navigation of research support services and operational pre and post-award support.

The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Operations Coordinator to join our Faculty of Science Research Services team, providing high-quality support for the NZ-China Collaborative Biomedical Research Programme. The Programme will bring together Chinese and New Zealand experts across a range of scientific disciplines over the next 5 years to address unmet needs for effective therapies in cancer, metabolic disease, infectious disease, neurologic disease, and regenerative medicine.

This position is fixed-term for 5 years and 22.5 hours part-time per week.  

Responsibilities of the role

As the key point of contact for NZ-China Collaborative Biomedical Research Programme, you will build and maintain effective relationships across the University and with key external stakeholders, providing excellent customer-focused service. You will give exceptional operational support to the Director(s) and research leads within the programme, coordinating activities and tasks, and assist with supporting researchers associated with the programme.

You will coordinate and support the running of events relating to the NZ-China Collaborative Biomedical Research Programme and will be responsible for maintaining the online presence and communications for the programme. You will have oversight of, and be expected to maintain, financial records and reporting, providing advice to the Director(s) and research leads and escalating issues to the Research Programme Manager as appropriate. You will proactively support the programme with planning and information gathering, working alongside the Research Programme Manager and other Research Services units within the University.

For more information on the role, please view the position description.  

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be fluent in verbal and written Mandarin
• Be available to travel to China twice a year if required
• Have strong interpersonal, communication and engagement skills, with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships
• Be proactive, with the ability to use initiative and self-manage workloads
• Demonstrate a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, with strong written communication
• Proactively organise and coordinate events, with prior experience being a preference
• Have experience of financial systems and managing project budgets
• Have experience of working in a complex and diverse environment
• Have experience in research project/programme administration
• Be familiar with the administrative processes of Chinese academic and government institutions/organisations

If you would like to play a part in the success of high-level research conducted within the Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland, apply online today!

Why us?

The University of Auckland is dedicated to providing an excellent and stimulating environment for its employees which ensures a healthy work-life balance through. 

• Five weeks’ annual leave per annum (pro-rated)
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution..
• Flexible employment practices
• Discounted, onsite childcare, parking and various leisure and recreation services.

For more information on the benefits of working here, see our Staff Benefits page.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Tuesday 18th August 2020 to be considered. Please include your CV and a cover letter outlining what strengths you would bring to this role.

This is a Professional, Band D position.

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 two weeks on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an off-shore 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.

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