Research Development Officer

About Us

Yoobee Colleges is New Zealand's largest Category Two Private Training Establishment, educating approximately 7,000 learners through a network of tertiary education providers including Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, NZ School of Tourism, Cut Above Academy, Elite School of Beauty & Spa, and Healthcare Academy of New Zealand. We support rapidly expanding industries such as Creative Industries, Technology, Tourism, Hair, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Healthcare. Our course offerings range from certificates and micro-credentials to diplomas and Bachelor's/Honours degrees.

We are committed to delivering outstanding educational outcomes, featuring passionate tutors dedicated to preparing learners of all ages for workforce entry, further studies, or career advancement through interactive, practical learning environments.

Role Overview

The Research Development Officer plays a vital role in advancing Yoobee's research strategy by offering practical support, leadership, and persistent follow-through. Reporting primarily to the Head of Quality, Risk and Academic Governance and collaborating with the Head of Programme Development, the officer works closely with various faculties to aid staff in transforming research ideas into robust projects and completed deliverables. As a member of the Research and Ethics Committee, this position also ensures ethical research practices and sound governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide researchers throughout the stages of proposal development, research methodologies, ethics review, data analysis, writing, and dissemination.
• Coordinate research and thesis supervision by matching postgraduate candidates with supervisors based on expertise and availability.
• Track research progress and milestones, proactively identifying risks to maintain momentum toward completion.
• Provide actionable advice on research ethics, integrity, approval processes, data management, and governance standards.
• Maintain accurate research records, supervision logs, and entries in the Research Management Output System (ROMS), delivering clear reports to leadership and governance bodies.
• Foster research capacity and collaboration through organizing workshops, peer learning sessions, seminars, symposiums, and communities of practice.
• Facilitate researcher access to publication venues, funding sources, conferences, and partnerships, enhancing visibility of their work.

Candidate Profile

• Holds a relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably at the master’s level or higher, with active research experience.
• Experienced in conducting, supervising, or supporting research within New Zealand's tertiary education sector or equivalent environments.
• Well-versed in postgraduate research supervision coordination across multiple projects or disciplines, balancing supervisor expertise and workloads.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of research ethics, integrity, academic governance, and quality assurance.
• Skilled in coaching researchers of varying levels and simplifying complex requirements into clear, practical instructions.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across disciplines and ensure follow-through on agreed commitments.
• A doctoral degree or equivalent research experience is advantageous, as is prior participation in research ethics or governance committees.
• Familiarity with Te Ao Māori worldviews and experience supporting Māori and Pacific research contexts, along with established research or community networks, is desirable.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the unique chance to shape research culture and practices across Yoobee, supporting both emerging and experienced researchers and witnessing the impact of enhanced research capability and collaboration. You will play a key role in improving research systems, strengthening external partnerships, and cultivating an environment where quality research thrives.

We take pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace open to all genders, ethnicities, identities, and experiences, valuing innovation, swift action, and collaborative, enjoyable work culture.