Graduate Research Administrator

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks leave

Superannuation 6.75%

Flexible work

Discounts

Campus facilities

Job summary

University of Canterbury in Ōtautahi/ Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, is seeking an organised administrator to provide high‑quality support for graduate research. You will assist with admissions, enrolment, milestones and records, and offer frontline guidance on regulations and processes.

The role includes coordinating thesis submissions and examiner logistics, plus contributing to outreach and events. The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years of relevant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years administrative experience, ideally in a large or complex organisation or tertiary environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality administrative support for graduate research activities.
• Support postgraduate admissions, milestones and enrolment with students, supervisors and academic leaders.
• Maintain accurate student records and systems compliance.
• Provide frontline advice on regulations, processes and support options.
• Manage thesis submission and examiner coordination, scheduling and documentation.
• Assist with outreach, events and marketing materials.
• Collaborate across the Graduate School to ensure timely and mana-enhancing support.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Administrative experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database systems

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

University of Canterbury – Christchurch, South Island

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

In this rewarding role, you will provide high-quality administrative support for all aspects of graduate research. You will:

• Support postgraduate admissions, milestones, and enrolment by working with students, supervisors, and academic leaders.
• Maintain accurate student records and systems compliance and processes.
• Provide frontline advice to postgraduate students and staff on regulations, processes, and support options.
• Manage key stages of thesis submission and examination, including examiner coordination, scheduling, and documentation.
• Assist with postgraduate outreach, events, workshops, and marketing materials
• Work collaboratively across the Graduate School to ensure timely, accurate, and mana-enhancing support for students.

You will be an organised, supportive, and proactive administrator with a bachelor’s degree as well as have:

• 3–5 years’ administrative experience, ideally in a large or complex organisation or tertiary environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage competing demands.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills, with sound judgment and initiative.
• High computer literacy, including strong capability with Microsoft Office and database systems.
• A customer-focused approach, with the ability to support students and staff professionally and empathetically.
• The ability to build effective working relationships, contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work within the Graduate School Operations Team, working closely with graduate research students, the Dean and Associate Deans of Postgraduate Research, the Graduate Research Manager, and the Researcher Development Team, while building strong relationships with academic staff.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

We offer a range of benefits, for more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc . (For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/ )

The closing date for this position is: 16 September 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.