Doctoral Candidate Advisor

The University of Auckland; Auckland; On-site; NZD 73,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Employer superannuation up to 6.75%

Five weeks annual leave

Professional development

Staff benefits

Collaborative culture

Job summary

The University of Auckland is seeking a Doctoral Candidate Adviser to join Student Operations within Te Kahu Tauira. You will provide expert guidance on doctoral policies and manage complex candidature matters across faculties, engaging with supervisors, heads of departments, and leaders in postgraduate research.

In this role you will lead workshops, support staff in doctoral candidate management, and contribute to policy development and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance student

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification is required.
• Postgraduate research degree is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on doctoral policies, regulations, and processes.
• Interpret and resolve complex candidature matters and issues.
• Make programme decisions for the university-wide doctoral programme.
• Contribute to the development of doctoral policies, procedures and systems.
• Lead and support faculty staff involved in doctoral candidate management.
• Deliver workshops and training for staff and stakeholders.
• Facilitate case management for complex situations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for the doctoral candidate experience.

Skills

Regulations interpretation

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Confidentiality

Process improvement

Case management

Judgement and discretion

Leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification

Postgraduate research degree

Job description

The University of AucklandThe University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University. Established in 1883, it is an international centre of learning and academic excellence. With just over 5,200 staff and more than...

We are seeking a Doctoral Candidate Adviser to join Student Operations within Te Kahu Tauira | Student and Scholarly Services (SaSS).

This is a specialist advisory role supporting doctoral candidates, supervisors, academic heads, Associate Deans (Postgraduate Research), and other key stakeholders across the University. As a subject matter expert in doctoral policies, regulations, and processes, you will provide expert guidance on complex candidature matters and highly individualised doctoral scenarios.

You will play a critical role in ensuring doctoral candidates receive the support and advice they need to successfully navigate their candidature journey. Working with a wide range of stakeholders, you will provide expert interpretation of doctoral regulations, resolve complex candidate issues, make programme decisions for the University-wide doctoral programme, and contribute to the ongoing development of doctoral policies, procedures, and systems.

In addition, you will provide leadership and support to faculty professional staff involved in doctoral candidate management, deliver workshops and training, facilitate case management for complex situations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the doctoral candidate experience across the University.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, building trusted relationships, and making a meaningful contribution to postgraduate research success.

Salary Range: $73,400 - $90,700 NZD per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week role on a permanent contract.

Te Kahu Tauira | Student and Scholarly Services (SaSS) brings together student experience, wellbeing, academic services, library and learning services, and student operations to deliver integrated, student-centred services that support learner success, engagement, and belonging across the University.

The Doctoral Services team provides specialist support and advice throughout the doctoral candidate lifecycle. Working closely with faculties, large-scale research institutes, supervisors, and academic leaders, the team ensures effective administration, governance, and support for doctoral programmes across the University.

You will be an experienced adviser with exceptional judgement, relationship-building skills, and the ability to confidently navigate complex and sensitive situations.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification.
• At least five years' professional experience within the tertiary education sector.
• A strong understanding of doctoral education and postgraduate research environments.
• The ability to interpret and apply complex regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Proven experience managing complex cases involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgement, discretion, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Experience reviewing and improving processes and procedures.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to advise and influence senior academics and key stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a highly regulated and complex environment.

A postgraduate research degree and experience working with student management systems would be advantageous.

The University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment that supports both professional growth and personal wellbeing.

We offer:

• Flexible employment practices where appropriate.
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution.
• Five weeks’ annual leave.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Access to a wide range of staff benefits and wellbeing initiatives.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student wellbeing and success at New Zealand’s leading university.