Research Advisor
Te tūnga | The role
PHF Science is seeking a proactive and organised Research Advisor to join our Office of the Chief Scientist, reporting to the Head of Research. Working alongside the Senior Research Advisor, you will provide practical support to scientists and managers across the research lifecycle, with a key focus on helping researchers identify funding opportunities and prepare competitive proposals. This is an opportunity to help researchers focus on their research and deliver science that makes a difference for New Zealand.
We are looking for a Research Advisor to provide practical support across the following areas:
Help researchers identify relevant funding opportunities and prepare competitive proposals, including drafting and editing narratives, gathering supporting evidence and ensuring alignment with funder and organisational priorities.
Assist researchers to prepare accurate budgets using standard templates and costing models that account for staff time and overheads, and support internal approvals so managers and the General Manager have the information needed before submission.
Work with Legal and Finance to assist with research agreements, contracting and compliance requirements, supporting timely handling of funder obligations.
Provide post-award support by helping set up project documentation and tracking, managing reporting schedules and flagging risks early, enabling researchers to focus on the science.
Maintain consistent, accessible research portfolio information to support the Head of Research and Senior Research Advisor with reporting on PHF Science’s research activity.
We are open to receiving applications from across Aotearoa New Zealand, and the role can be based in either Tāmaki Makaurau, Pōneke or Ōtautahi.
Kia angitu koe | About you
To be successful in this role, you will have the following:
A relevant postgraduate tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in research administration, science or a related field.
Experience in a research, science, health or public sector environment, working as part of a small research support or coordination team and providing practical support with proposal preparation, internal approvals and post-award administration.
Working knowledge of research funding processes and requirements, with experience helping researchers identify suitable opportunities and prepare proposals through drafting or editing, gathering evidence and following application guidelines.
The ability to support research budget preparation using established templates and costing approaches, alongside researchers, senior advisors and Finance, and familiarity with working with Legal and Finance on research contracting, compliance and funder obligations.
Experience setting up project documentation, tracking deadlines and assisting with reporting, with an understanding of research portfolio tracking, databases or reporting systems.
Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under guidance, and clear, service-focused communication to respond to researcher and manager queries accurately and professionally.
Ngā painga | The benefits
Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.
Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve)
15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years
Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.
Free annual flu vaccinations
Life insurance and physical loss benefit
Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts.
Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service.
Mō mātou | About Us
Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing and safety…