Senior Research Advisor

Te tūnga | The role

PHF Science is seeking a proactive and experienced Senior Research Advisor to join our Office of the Chief Scientist, reporting to the Head of Research. Working closely with scientists and science leaders across our Health Security and Forensic research teams, you will provide trusted advice across the full research lifecycle, with a key focus on identifying funding opportunities and developing 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 Senior Research Advisor to provide leadership, advice and coordination across the following areas:

• Lead strategic scanning of national and international funding opportunities, connecting researchers with relevant funders and working with them early to develop competitive proposals, strengthen narratives and coordinate review processes.

• Work with Finance and managers to develop accurate, funder-compliant budgets that account for staff time and overhead recovery, ensuring General Managers are consulted and research commitments are deliverable within operational constraints.

• Coordinate internal governance and approval processes so proposals have appropriate leadership sign-off before submission, reducing the risk of late withdrawals and wasted effort.

• Support post-award delivery through milestone tracking, funder reporting and clear escalation of delivery issues, working closely with the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) on larger, multi-partner programmes.

• Provide leadership and coordination across the research portfolio, supporting the Head of Research to maintain visibility of PHF Science’s full research activity and ensuring consistent support across research teams.

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 in research, science, health, public policy or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated experience providing end-to-end research advisory support, from identifying opportunities and developing proposals through to internal approvals and post-award delivery.

• Strong knowledge of national and international research funding landscapes, with proven ability to match opportunities to researcher and organisational priorities and help develop high-quality proposals aligned with funder objectives.

• Significant experience developing accurate, funder-compliant budgets with Finance teams, including staff time, overhead recovery and multi-year commitments, and coordinating governance processes to secure leadership sign-off before submission.

• Experience supporting post-award management, including milestone tracking, funder reporting and issue escalation, and large, complex or multi-partner research programmes, with familiarity with EPMO and formal project management frameworks in a research or public sector environment.

• Strong communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills, with the ability to work confidently and credibly with researchers, science leaders, General Managers, Finance and project management teams, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.

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 of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we’re tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.

Tono mai | Apply Now

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with recruitment@phfscience.nz

Applications close 12pm Wednesday 25 November 2026

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.  

We will be back in touch once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed. 

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

At PHF Science, the health, safety and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. Depending on the role and exposure risks, mandatory vaccinations may include Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningococcal, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and Polio.  In some roles you may need to confirm your vaccination status in accordance with health and safety advice before you commence employment. Participation in PHF Science’s vaccination programme is a condition of employment for new staff. We choose to share this information early in our hiring process so candidates can make an informed choice and are happy to discuss further at interview stage if you have any questions. 

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.

PHF Science is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.

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