Director e-Research
University of Auckland, New Zealand | Digital Services
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 5,400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.
Digital Services provides the technology, platforms and digital capabilities that enable the University to teach, learn, research and operate effectively. The team delivers secure, reliable and innovative services that support staff and students across the University.
The e-Research function enables world-class research through specialist expertise in advanced computing, research data management, digital research infrastructure and emerging research technologies. Working across disciplines and faculties, the team helps researchers leverage technology to achieve greater research impact and discovery.
Enable the future of research at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau
Research is at the heart of the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. As Director e-Research, you will lead the University's e-Research capability, shaping the digital infrastructure, services and partnerships that enable world-class research across all disciplines.
As the University continues to invest in its research ecosystem, we are evolving our approach to e-Research to create a more connected, strategically aligned capability that supports researchers across faculties, large-scale research institutes and the University's six Signature Research Areas. This newly created leadership role represents an exciting opportunity to bring together previously distributed expertise, services and ways of working into a cohesive University-wide capability, helping accelerate discovery, foster collaboration and amplify the impact of our research.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of research technologies, advanced computing, AI-enabled research and research data services at New Zealand's leading university.
Lead the strategic direction of e-Research at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau and help position the University at the forefront of digital research enablement. As Director e-Research, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research infrastructure, services and capabilities that support world-class research across all disciplines.
This is an exciting time to join the University as we continue to strengthen and evolve our e-Research capability to meet the rapidly changing needs of researchers. You will help drive the next phase of research enablement, advancing capabilities across research AI, advanced computing, research data services and digital research platforms, while shaping strategic priorities and investment decisions that will support research excellence for years to come.
Working in partnership with academic leaders, researchers and professional staff, you will strengthen the University's position within the national and international e-Research ecosystem and help unlock new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and research impact.
As a senior member of the Digital Services leadership team, you will also contribute to the University's broader digital strategy and organisational priorities.
You are a strategic and collaborative leader who understands how technology and digital capability can accelerate research excellence. You bring people together, build trusted relationships and thrive in complex environments where innovation, influence and partnership are key.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Significant leadership experience within a complex research, technology, innovation or digital environment, including leading multidisciplinary teams and organisational capability development.
- Experience developing and delivering strategy, transformation initiatives and investment roadmaps that deliver sustainable outcomes.
- Strong understanding of digital infrastructure, advanced computing, research technologies, AI-enabled research, research data services or related domains.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, work effectively within governance environments and build partnerships across academic, technical and executive communities.
- Commercial and financial acumen, combined with a passion for advancing research excellence through innovation, collaboration and impactful service delivery.
Experience within the tertiary sector would be advantageous; however, we welcome applications from leaders across research organisations, government, science and innovation environments, digital infrastructure providers and related sectors.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.
Please note, this is a full-time (37.5hours/week), permanent position based in Auckland, New Zealand.
What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:
- Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
- Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
- A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.
For more information please visit Staff Benefits.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 13th September 2026 (NZST) to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.
Please reach out to the Recruitment Team via directoreresearch@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
