Research Services Manager - Faculty of Science

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa’s leading university with 9,000 staff supporting more than 46,000 students to achieve their ambitions. As one of New Zealand’s most enduring brands, the University leads the way in teaching excellence and research positively impacting the lives of its people, communities and society at large.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Our researchers are esteemed experts in their fields, frequently leading global research projects aimed at improving the lives of New Zealanders and the world.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity to join The Faculty of Science as Research Services Manager.

The Research Services Manager (RSM) is a key member of the professional staff leadership team within the Faculty of Science. You will work in partnership to lead the effective planning and delivery of strategic research support service operations across the Faculty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy and Planning: Leading, developing, and implementing Faculty research services strategies and plans. Contributing to the development, planning, and implementation of research plans, performance, and funding targets.
• Staff Leadership: Providing strong leadership and direction for all Research Programme Managers and professional staff in research services, fostering a culture of collaboration, agility, simplicity, engagement, and empowerment.
• Operational Activities: Managing the provision of research support services, including pre and post-award advice. Providing oversight and support to research centres hosted within the faculty, ensuring alignment with the research services function. Advising on effective allocation of research service support and leading the adoption of quality service standards for research support.
• Research Development and Pre-Award Support: Developing the capability pipeline in partnership with Academic Leaders, overseeing research initiatives and workshops to maximise funding success, and identifying cross-faculty, national, and international research collaboration opportunities.
• Project Management (Post-Award) Support: Overseeing the requirements for post-award support, ensuring resolution and mitigation strategies for project delivery and financial issues, and representing the Faculty on University-wide projects.
• Strategic Guidance and Support: Delivering guidance and support to the faculty on strategic research initiatives for current and future growth, ensuring consistency in pre-award and post-award processes across the faculty, and contributing to institutional initiatives on behalf of the faculty.

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week. The ideal salary range is $125,000-$142,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. For more details, please refer to the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, capable of aligning with the overarching strategies of the Faculty of Science and effectively implementing desired initiatives.

Given the diverse nature of the RSM role, you will partner with a range of stakeholders, leveraging your ability to build relationships quickly and adapt to different environments. As a proactive go-getter, you will seek opportunities to innovate and co-create, bringing new opportunities to the faculty.

You are keen to understand the intricacies of the faculty and how various roles impact the functionality of the business unit. Your strong people management skills will help foster an innovative, proactive, and service-oriented team.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and align initiatives with the overarching goals of the Faculty.
• Innovation: Proactive and innovative mindset, always seeking opportunities to improve and co-create.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to different environments and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions and implement effective solutions.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We offer you more than just a job. We offer you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, world-class educational institution.

We proudly provide an environment that will enable you and rewards hard work. We provide benefits and support throughout your career to help you develop and grow.

We are committed to providing a supportive working environment through:

• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks of annual leave. With the option to buy and sell additional leave.
• Flexible employment practices. Including partial working from home and adaptive working hours.
• A generous and inclusive parental leave policy.

In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, on-site childcare options, leisure and recreation facilities, and a number of other discounted products and services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Hear more about making Worlds of Difference in your career at the University, our partnership with Māori, our Te Ao Māori principles, our impact, our staff and life in Auckland on our careers website

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 4th May, 2025 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 Josh Chapman [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

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz