Research Operations Coordinator - 24 month fixed term

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Te Whare Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science is the leading science faculty in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. We undertake world-class research across the physical, biological, and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students study across our ten schools and departments, learning from internationally recognised educators and researchers.

Our staff and students can connect with our flagship groups including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff network and our Waipapa Marae.

Our mission and values place a 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 looking for a Research Operations Coordinator to join the Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery and become an integral member of our collaborative and supportive team.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will provide operational, administrative, and coordination support to the Centre’s leadership team. Your work will help ensure the smooth running of the Centre’s activities and support initiatives that contribute to meaningful outcomes for our researchers and communities. 

You’ll play an important role in helping to raise the profile of the Maurice Wilkins Centre by coordinating content for internal and external communications and supporting relationships with partners and stakeholders across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engage in communications activities including maintaining website and social media content
• Liaising with researchers and institutions across the country to collate information for publicity and reporting purposes
• 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
• Assisting 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.
• Maintaining systems, records, and databases to support Centre operations
• Supporting research grant and award administration in collaboration with internal research support teams

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term role for two years.

Remuneration range of $63,600 to $68,100 per annum, dependent on experience

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

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Maurice Wilkins Centre (MWC) 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 disease, and infectious disease. 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 the opportunity to make many new connections.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an organised, proactive, and approachable professional who enjoys supporting teams and taking on a variety of tasks. You take pride in delivering high-quality work and enjoy working with a wide range of people. 

You have some experience and skills in generating social media content for relevant audiences and the ability to synthesise lay text from scientific content. Experience with website content management systems would also be beneficial.

You would ideally have a STEM background and experience working in a tertiary education or research environment. 

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 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 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 

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)
• A 37.5 hour work week
• 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 17th May 2026 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.

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz