Coordinate governance approvals for Canterbury-area health research projects

Research Office Administrator - Canterbury

Permanent part-time role based in Otautahi/Christchurch

Help enable high-quality, ethical and well-governed research within New Zealand's public health system.

Develop valuable experience across research governance, approvals, compliance and health-sector processes.

About the Role

As a Research Office Administrator, you will provide essential administrative, coordination and compliance support to researchers and investigators as they progress through governance, privacy, finance, legal and locality approval processes. Working closely with the Research Advisor and Research Office Manager, you will help ensure applications are complete, well-coordinated and ready for review, while supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the local Research Office.

You'll coordinate research activity through the Single Research Application Form (SiRAF) workflow, support district capacity and capability reviews, maintain approval and tracking records, and assist with reporting on research activity and performance. You'll also help researchers access appropriate health information and systems, including clinical records and research data platforms such as REDCap.

This role is for 0.5FTE/20hrs per week.

About the Team/Service

You'll be part of a dedicated Research Office supporting researchers and research teams within the health service. Working alongside research leaders, advisors and national teams, you'll help create an efficient, responsive and well-governed environment for research.

The team works across a range of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, external research organisations and Health NZ services, ensuring research activity is appropriately supported and aligned with organisational, ethical and regulatory requirements.

An important part of the role is supporting local cultural consultation processes and ensuring Māori perspectives and consultation requirements are appropriately incorporated into research approval pathways.

About You

You'll be an organised, proactive and confident administrator who enjoys coordinating multiple priorities and working with a wide range of people.

You will bring:

  • A relevant tertiary qualification, diploma or equivalent experience in a related field
  • At least one year's experience in administration or research coordination.
  • Strong organisational, coordination and time-management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports, guidance and communications.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
  • Good knowledge of New Zealand research funding and application processes.
  • Confidence using Microsoft Office and online systems.
  • The ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
  • A collaborative approach and confidence working with researchers, clinicians and external stakeholders.
  • An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the importance of culturally appropriate research processes.

It would also be advantageous to have:

  • Familiarity with ICH-GCP, ethical and scientific review processes and Health NZ locality approvals.
  • Experience supporting researchers within a health service environment.
  • Knowledge of research methods, governance, privacy and data security requirements.
  • Understanding of the ethical framework for health and disability research and quality improvement.
  • Experience with research systems such as REDCap.
  • Experience engaging with external researchers or research agencies.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply, please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 11:59PM Wednesday 9 September 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on Lynda.Francis@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

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