Head of Research

PHF Science; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four weeks annual leave

PHF Science days

Sick leave 15 days + service leave

Life insurance

EAP access

Flu vaccinations

Volunteer day

Discounts & insurance

Pre-employment health checks

Job summary

PHF Science is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Research to join the Office of the Chief Scientist. This leadership role shapes the organisation's research capability, direction, and long-term sustainability while supporting high-impact science programmes across New Zealand.

The role oversees governance, ethics, data stewardship, and strategic funding, with focus on building national and international partnerships and strengthening the research portfolio.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in public sector research environment.
• Proven ability to shape research strategy and outcomes.
• Experience engaging with Te Ao Māori perspectives and te reo Māori.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership of PHF Science's research portfolio and governance framework.
• Lead the continuous improvement of research systems, quality standards, ethics, publication processes, and data stewardship.
• Strengthen national and international scientific partnerships and relationships.
• Oversee strategic funding activities, major research bids, and key stakeholder partnerships.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Research governance

Māori perspectives awareness

Job description

PHF Science is seeking an experienced and strategic research leader to join our Office of the Chief Scientist as the Head of Research. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping the organisation's research capability, direction, reputation, and long-term sustainability while supporting the delivery of high-impact science programmes across New Zealand.

We are looking for a Head of Research to strengthen research and build strategic partnerships across the following areas:

• Provide operational leadership of PHF Science's research portfolio and governance framework.
• Lead the continuous improvement of research systems, quality standards, ethics, publication processes, and data stewardship.
• Strengthen national and international scientific partnerships and relationships.
• Oversee strategic funding activities, major research bids, and key stakeholder partnerships.

We are open to receiving applications from across Aotearoa New Zealand, and the role can be based in either Tāmaki Makaurau, Pōneke or Ōtautahi.

Kia angitu koe | About you

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

• An established national and/or international scientific reputation
• Significant senior leadership experience within a public sector, Crown Research Institute, Public Research Organisation, or comparable environment.
• Demonstrated success influencing strategic direction and organisational outcomes.
• Experience incorporating Te Ao Māori perspectives and supporting research that aligns with obligations to Māori.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments.
• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional PHF Science days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve)
• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years
• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community.
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Life insurance and physical loss benefit
• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service.

Established in 2025, formerly ESR, PHF Science is a New Zealand Government-owned research organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing and safety of our communities. Specialising in public health and forensic sciences, we monitor disease, help ensure safe food and water, reduce harm from drugs, support the justice system and more. Our science powers innovations and solutions to help New Zealand prosper and grow.

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we're tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all.

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification.

We encourage applications from those with an understanding of or a willingness to develop their capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and/or te reo Māori.

Applications close 8am on Monday 5 October 2026

We will be back in touch once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

At PHF Science, the health, safety and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. Depending on the role and exposure risks, mandatory vaccinations may include Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningococcal, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and Polio. In some roles you may need to confirm your vaccination status in accordance with health and safety advice before you commence employment. Participation in PHF Science's vaccination programme is a condition of employment for new staff. We choose to share this information early in our hiring process so candidates can make an informed choice and are happy to discuss further at interview stage if you have any questions.

PHF Science is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application.

PHF Science is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on.

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.