About The Role

Turn ambitious research ideas into compelling funding proposals that deliver meaningful impact .

Multiple permanent opportunities available
Shape major, impact-focused research proposals
Work with researchers, partners and funders

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As a Research Proposal Development Specialist, you will work alongside leading researchers to help secure investment in research that makes a real difference. From improving health outcomes and strengthening communities to supporting industry, sustainability and innovation, you will help turn promising ideas into compelling funding proposals that attract support and create lasting impact.

You will partner with researchers, funding bodies and external stakeholders to shape ideas, tell powerful stories about why the research matters, and bring together the people needed to make it successful. Whether you are coordinating a major proposal, helping a team articulate its impact, or keeping a complex submission moving towards a deadline, your contribution will help ambitious projects become funded realities.

We have multiple opportunities available. While every role focuses on securing funding for high-impact research, each position will align with one of four specialist areas: Health and Society , Environmental Sustainability , Bioeconomy , or Advanced Technology . Depending on your background and interests, you will work closely with researchers in one of these areas to help showcase the value and potential impact of their work.

Salary will be in the range of $115,904 to $127,449 per year pro rata based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. These are permanent roles. Hours of work are 37.5hour per week based in Hamilton.

For more information on the role please see the position description for the relevant specialty Health and Society , Environmental Sustainability , Bioeconomy , or Advanced Technology . All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are someone who enjoys bringing people, ideas and opportunities together. You can quickly grasp complex information, ask the right questions and turn technical concepts into clear, engaging messages that resonate with different audiences. You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy helping others achieve shared goals.

You will bring

A postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience, in a discipline relevant to your specialist area.
Experience developing and coordinating research funding proposals in a research-intensive environment.
Excellent writing, editing and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas into persuasive narratives.
Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines, deliverables and complex inputs.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with experience working across multidisciplinary or multi-institutional teams.
An understanding of the pre-award research funding lifecycle, proposal development, research impact and funder expectations.

Experience with large-scale or mission-led research programmes, major competitive funding schemes, research impact planning, budget development or research management systems would be an advantage.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

Research & Enterprise supports the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and helps implement the University’s research strategy. The team works alongside researchers and research teams to identify opportunities, develop mission-led and impact-focused proposals, connect multidisciplinary and multi-institutional expertise, build effective partnerships, and support the systems, governance and compliance that enable research success. You will join a collaborative team working across the University and with external partners to strengthen research investment and impact.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits .

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here .

Ko Te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close Sunday 27 September 2026.

Requisition number: 1003869