Network Research Manager - Toi o te Ora

Fixed Term - 2 years, 0.7 FTE

AUT Millennium - Mairangi Bay, Auckland

Are you a strategic research leader with deep knowledge of the research sector with a passion for building collaborative teams, and a drive to secure transformative funding? The Toi o te Ora - AUT Wellbeing Research Network is seeking a Research Manager to grow our external research funding, build capacity across AUT, and position the Network as a national and international leader in wellbeing science.

This is a rare opportunity to directly advance large-scale, impactful research that tackles complex health, social, and environmental challenges — while strengthening AUT's reputation as a global thought leader in wellbeing.

About the Role

Operating at a senior leadership level, you'll drive strategic initiatives that:

Build cross-disciplinary research collaborations across AUT faculties and national partners.
Identify, pursue, and secure major external research funding from government, philanthropic, industry, and international sources (including Horizon Europe, HRC, MBIE, and more).
Provide high-level strategic advice on emerging research trends and funding opportunities.
Support negotiation of research contracts and funding agreements, ensuring AUT's interests are protected.
Develop research capacity by leading professional development and mentoring initiatives that lift researcher performance and funding success.
Build strong partnerships with AUT's four other Research Networks to maximise collective impact.
Ensure robust research governance, compliance, and reporting that meets funder and university requirements.
Working closely with Te Kāhui Poipoi Rangahau, you'll embed te Tiriti o Waitangi principles across all engagement and development activities, fostering whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga.

About You

You are an experienced research leader who brings:

Deep understanding of New Zealand's research landscape, funding mechanisms, and strategic policy drivers.
Proven success managing large-scale, externally funded research projects, including budgets exceeding $5 million.
Strong knowledge of research ethics, compliance, intellectual property, and contractual obligations.
Experience developing research capability, mentoring early-career researchers, and building collaborative, cross-disciplinary proposals.
Excellent communication and advocacy skills to engage effectively across academic, industry, iwi, government, and international partners.
Commitment to cultural competence and advancing te Tiriti o Waitangi within research practice.
You thrive in complexity, balance strategic and operational demands, and have a clear passion for turning research into meaningful, funded outcomes that benefit New Zealand communities.

What We Offer

A senior strategic leadership role which influences AUT's national research agenda and supports healthier futures for Aotearoa.

A collegial, forward-thinking university environment with genuine commitment to equity, diversity, and researcher wellbeing.

Flexibility and a supportive work culture that recognises the importance of balance.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter and CV with your application by clicking the "APPLY" button.

Ngā Utu | Salary: $108,000 - $128,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications) - pro rata

Tohutoro Mahi | Job Reference: 92829

Te rā aukati | Closing Date: 4 August 2025, at 11:55pm Read more