Project Manager

Company overview

The University of Auckland, known in te reo Māori as Waipapa Taumata Rau, is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading university. It employs more than 6,000 academic and professional staff and supports over 46,000 students, making it one of the country’s largest and most varied employers. Its people are united by curiosity, purpose, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the community.

The Liggins Institute is a major research institute within the University of Auckland. For more than 20 years, its researchers have explored how events during or just before pregnancy can affect lifelong health. The institute is recognised internationally for work in fetal and child health, nutrition, development, epigenetics, and translational and implementation science.

Role overview

This position plays an important part in delivering complex genomics research programmes at the Liggins Institute. The successful candidate will manage projects within the Genomics platform, including the newborn genomics programme, the cerebral palsy project, and the rare disorders programme. These initiatives are expected to have national impact by supporting families and individuals affected by genetic conditions in New Zealand, and they have been funded through philanthropic donations with the potential to shape the future of healthcare in the country.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 24 months. The salary range for the role is between 98,700 and 121,900 NZD, depending on experience and skills.

What you will do

• Lead the delivery of complex research projects across the Liggins Institute Genomics platform.
• Coordinate multiple programmes, including newborn genomics, cerebral palsy, and rare disorders initiatives.
• Work with a broad mix of stakeholders to keep project delivery on track.
• Drive progress against timelines by keeping teams engaged and moving forward.
• Support research activity that has direct relevance for health outcomes in New Zealand.

About you

You should bring strong project management experience, including a track record of successfully delivering complex work across diverse stakeholder groups. You will need to be well organised, determined, and capable of encouraging others to meet deadlines. Familiarity with the clinical trial environment would be helpful. You should also have strong written and verbal communication skills, a Master’s degree or other relevant tertiary qualification, and confidence using project management tools and methods.

What’s on offer

• Flexible working options, including work from home where possible and flexible hours.
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 6.75%.
• Competitive remuneration together with five weeks of annual leave.
• Career development opportunities.
• Discounted car parking.
• Generous parental leave support.
• Childcare support.
• Access to a range of internal and external discounts and services.

How to apply

Applications must be completed online by 12 July 2026. Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV showing how their experience and skills align with the role.

For questions about the position, contact Lynda Pitcaithly at l.pitcaithly@auckland.ac.nz. Email applications are not accepted.

Equity and inclusion

The University is committed to its responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi and to creating fair outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Support and information are available for Māori, Pacific peoples, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parents, and those with other personal circumstances.