Programme Lead - Return on Science

Who we are

UniServices is a wholly owned company of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, that directly supports the University’s ambition to be a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

We achieve this through:

• Growing Research: We help researchers turn innovative ideas into impactful outcomes by identifying new market opportunities, building partnerships with industry and government, and securing funding opportunities to support the translation of knowledge to impact.
• Investing and Partnering: We manage the University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund, a $40 million pre-seed and seed investment fund that works to transform University research into high-growth global companies.
• Commercialising and protecting ideas: We help researchers disclose and protect their ideas, start companies or license technology. We help fledgling companies refine their business plans, access start-up capital and grow.

Investment Team

The Investment Team manages the commercialisation and investment activities at UniServices to transform research and ventures from staff and students at the University into high-growth global companies. We have supported the creation of over 45 new companies and licensed over 430 patent families. Our portfolio companies have secured over $500m of investment capital and to date we have realised five exits. We have transformed the way in which commercialisation is undertaken in New Zealand through the ‘Return on Science’ and ‘Momentum’ Investment Committees.  

As champions of the University of Auckland’s intellectual property, we rigorously support and test new ideas through specialist investment committees: ‘Return on Science’ and accelerate the spin-out of technologies and ideas to solve the most challenging problems in the world. We actively identify ground-breaking discoveries with commercial potential and work with researchers and students to help them bring their ideas to market. We invest through Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund, a $40m, open, evergreen fund and provide ongoing support to our portfolio companies through access to networks, investors, expertise and resources, as well as follow-on capital. 

• Lead Return on Science Programme in the innovation ecosystem
• 1 Year fixed term fulltime role, Auckland location
• Guide research innovations through the commercialisation pipeline

The opportunity

Join a nationally significant team at the forefront of Aotearoa’s innovation ecosystem, delivering impact through research commercialisation, investment readiness, and sector-wide collaboration. We are a team who build strong relationships, are fast-paced, have a collaborative culture, helping our tertiary institutions navigate into real world impact.  You will guide people and ideas through the intricate ecosystem of commercialisation to deliver the right support every step of the way with your relevant and domain-specific expertise.  Your role will be key in the commercialisation pipeline to expand global and national networks via the Return On Science Investment Committee Programme.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead Programme Operations – Manage day-to-day delivery of the Return On Science Investment Committee Programme, including committee coordination and project pipeline oversight.
• Strategic Direction – Align the programme with organisational goals and sector needs, supporting the Programme Manager in building a global network of expert advisors.
• Commercialisation Expertise – Support research projects through triage, expert connection, and investment readiness.
• Ecosystem Engagement – Build strong relationships across universities, investors, and innovation partners.
• Clear Communication & Stakeholder Skills – Deliver high-quality reports, lead meetings, and navigate diverse stakeholder needs with professionalism and cultural awareness.

Your skills and experience:

It is essential for you to hold:

• Tertiary Qualification: Preferably in science, innovation, or a related discipline.
• Commercialisation or Research Exposure: 1–2 years' experience in tech transfer, investment, research commercialisation, or a related environment.
• Programme Leadership: Proven ability to lead and deliver outcomes in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder settings.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong track record of working across diverse internal and external partners.
• Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with the innovation ecosystem, including universities, venture capital, and government.

Only applicants with the right to work in New Zealand will be considered.

What we offer:

Great benefits, including 5 weeks annual leave, up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme, eye-testing & glasses subsidies, access to discounts on health insurance & gym memberships, and long-service recognition.  We provide a culturally diverse team and supportive workplace with a blended approach to office and home-based work.  We offer flexible working arrangements and are committed to your ongoing professional development.

PD Programme Lead - RoS May 2025 Investment.pdf

Please submit your application by 20 June 2025.  Note we may interview prior to the close date.

Honoa te tangata ki te tangata, te tangata ki te taiao, te tangata ki te rangahau, rangahaua ki whai hua.

(Linking people to people, people to the world around us, people to research, research that brings ideas to life.)