PhD jobs in Auckland

• Bring people, research and funding together to support environmental regeneration.
• Develop partnerships and help turn research priorities into funded programmes.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary teams across AUT and connect with partners in Aotearoa and internationally.
• Fixed-term full-time or part-time role based on AUT’s City Campus

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together – and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world.

Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Te Whare Tūroa – AUT Regenerative Environments Research Network (RegEN) brings together researchers across AUT for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research that addresses environmental challenges in Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand. Through place-based knowledge and partnerships, we support environmental regeneration and enable communities to thrive in kinship with te taiao.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We’re seeking an experienced Research Manager to develop partnerships, strengthen teams and turn research priorities into funded programmes. This is a full-time or part-time fixed term role based at AUT’s City Campus.

Reporting to the Network Director, you will work with the Leadership Group and AUT’s Research Office to:

• Connect researchers across faculties and AUT’s research networks with government, industry, iwi, community and international partners, identifying opportunities for collaboration and shared impact.
• Develop research initiatives and funding applications, advising on emerging priorities and national and international opportunities.
• Support funding agreements and oversee budgets, reporting, ethics, intellectual property and contractual requirements.
• Build interdisciplinary capability through training and mentoring, including support for early-career researchers.
• Monitor research performance, maintain delivery momentum and represent RegEN in research and funding forums.

Help shape RegEN’s next phase and enable teams to achieve more together. Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and AUT’s Te Aronui Framework, you’ll support respectful, long-term relationships with iwi and hapū and embed whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga across research engagement and development.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT you’ll be part of a values-led university with a strong, caring culture, flexible working, generous annual leave and support to thrive in your role and career. We provide the tools, trust, recognition frameworks and cultural capability development programmes to help you make a meaningful contribution. Learn more about our competitive benefits tailored to all staff. https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/careers-at-aut/working-at-aut/staff-benefits

About you | Ko wai koe

As a professional staff member at AUT, you’ll help our university thrive by improving services, supporting students and staff and driving practical improvements across our campuses. We’re looking for people with energy, curiosity and openness to new ideas who bring a collaborative, adaptable approach and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

You’ll also bring cultural humility and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Indigenous peoples and diverse communities. Experience supporting Indigenous, equity or inclusion-focused initiatives is highly valued.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A PhD and substantial research management and leadership experience. A master’s degree backed by research leadership, funding success and demonstrable impact may be considered equivalent.
• Success securing funding and managing complex, externally funded research projects with budgets up to and exceeding $5 million, including financial oversight, reporting, compliance and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of research strategy, policy and funding in New Zealand and internationally, including Horizon Europe.
• Advanced research design and methods skills in ecology, social science, environmental science, sustainability or a related discipline, alongside digital proficiency and sound operational judgement.
• Experience developing research networks, mentoring interdisciplinary teams and supporting researchers’ professional development.
• The ability to communicate clearly, prioritise competing demands and build trusted relationships across disciplines and sectors.
• Understanding of Māori research principles, experience partnering with Māori-led research entities, and cultural competency that values mātauranga Māori and applies Te Aronui principles in practice.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV, please submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.

Please note: all applications must be submitted through the online application process on AUT’s careers website.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Fixed Term Dates: From November 2026 to December 2027
• Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $108,000 - $128,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
• For further information: please email RegEN@aut.ac.nz

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 30th November 2026, at 11:55 pm.

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 97113

• Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

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