Research Infrastructure Operations and Performance Specialist - 2 years fixed term

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.

Te Puna Tiketike – the Research and Innovation Office – supports the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) in delivering the University’s strategic research priorities. Our Research Infrastructure team plays a vital role in developing and managing the University’s research infrastructure portfolio, working closely with technical services managers and research platform leaders to ensure excellence in service delivery and operational planning.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Are you passionate about turning data into meaningful insights that drive smarter decisions? Do you enjoy supporting researchers by making complex systems work better for them? Based at 58 Symonds Street in Auckland’s CBD, join us as a Research Infrastructure Operations and Performance Specialist and help shape the future of research at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

This role is central to supporting our academic and research communities—many of whom rely on specialist equipment and platforms to conduct cutting-edge research. Whether it's advanced machinery in Bioengineering or shared services across faculties, research infrastructure is a growing functional requirement across the University.

To make informed investment decisions, we need to understand what infrastructure we have, how it’s being used, and whether researchers are aware of and have access to it. You’ll provide expert analysis, reporting, and insights to help answer these questions and support strategic planning - ensuring our infrastructure meets current and future research needs.

You’ll also be the Institutional Administrator for Infinity X, the University’s booking and billing tool for research instruments and services. This system is used by researchers, students, supervisors, and external clients to access our research platforms. You’ll play a key role in onboarding new platforms, creating listings, solving problems, and ensuring consistent data practices across the system.

Main Responsibilities And Duties:

• Turn data into insights to guide business decisions and improve research platform performance.
• Respond to user queries and offer expert advice on services and systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to support system upgrades and troubleshoot issues.
• Help integrate new services into booking and billing systems, ensuring smooth setup and accurate content.
• Support business planning by analysing trends, refining workflows, and identifying revenue opportunities.
• Understand platform operations to ensure services align with user needs and generate value.

This is a full time, fixed term contract for 2 years, working 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). The salary range for this role is a band G $83,330 - $102,900 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Reporting into the Associate Director of Research & Infrastructure, this is a small team with a big portfolio—and an even bigger impact. The Research Infrastructure team sits within Te Puna Tiketike | Research and Innovation Office (RIO), a dynamic and well-structured group of change agents and enablers. We work collaboratively across the University to support high-stakes research and teaching outcomes.

Our work directly influences the success of researchers and academics by ensuring they have access to the best infrastructure available. We support big transformations and strategic investments, helping the University stay at the forefront of innovation.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’re a strategic thinker with a strong analytical mindset and a collaborative spirit. You see data as a tool to enable success, not just to measure it. You bring empathy, curiosity, and a desire to understand the research and teaching environment, and how infrastructure can support it.

We’re looking for someone who understands data, funding, and the importance of making research infrastructure accessible and affordable. You’ll also be a strong and effective communicator, able to translate complex insights into clear, actionable advice for diverse stakeholders.

Ideally, You’Ll Bring:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (postgraduate preferred).
• 5+ years’ experience generating actionable insights from complex data in large organisations.
• Expertise in tools like Power BI and experience with enterprise-level systems.
• Experience with system administration and onboarding processes.
• A passion for continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups.

You’ll thrive in a role where your insights help answer critical questions like:

• What specialist infrastructure do we have?
• Who is using it, and how heavily?
• How can we improve access and visibility for researchers?
• What data do we need to support future investment?

Additional Information

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Tuesday 14th of October 2025 (NZST) to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the abovementioned skills and experiences.

Please reach out to Roger Lins on rj.lins@auckland.ac.nz  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