Research Advisor

Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand Charitable Trust – Auckland, North Island Flexible hours (approximately 8-16 hours per week) Remote or hybrid working arrangements Occasional travel within New Zealand may be required The role may be undertaken as an employee or contractor Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand (MND NZ) is the only charity focused on improving quality of life, funding research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease (MND) and their families/whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand. We rely on the generosity of the public, fundraisers, commercial partners, foundations and trusts to provide services across support, advocacy, education and research. The research advisor provides specialist expertise to deliver strategic and technical advice on research-related activities undertaken or supported by the Trust. The role will help identify research priorities relevant to people living with MND in New Zealand, support the assessment and monitoring of research initiatives, and strengthen connections between researchers, clinicians, people with lived experience, and funding partners. The research advisor ensures that the Trust's research strategy, communications and activities are scientifically robust, ethically sound, aligned with the organisation's mission, and responsive to the needs of the MND community. Key Responsibilities Research Strategy and Advice Provide expert advice to the Trust on research trends, opportunities, and priorities relating to MND. Assist in communication regarding emerging research whether funded by MND NZ or in the wider research community Assist in delivering the Trust's research strategy and funding priorities. Identify opportunities for collaboration with universities, research institutes, health providers, and international MND organisations. Advise the Board and management on emerging developments in MND research and related fields. Research Funding and Grant Processes Support the design and administration of research funding programmes, grants, scholarships, or fellowships. Assist with the development of funding criteria, application processes, and evaluation frameworks. MND NZ research funding and grants round processes: Participate in the review of research proposals and provide recommendations on scientific merit, feasibility, impact, and alignment with organisational priorities. Monitor the progress and outcomes of funded research projects. Budget Management This role has no budget responsibility but will inform budget development and expenditure decisions around research activities and grants distributions. Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with researchers, clinicians, academic institutions, consumer representatives, and funding organisations. Promote meaningful involvement of people with lived experience of MND in research activities. Serve as a trusted point of contact for research-related enquiries. Represent the Trust at relevant meetings, workshops, conferences, and sector forums as required. Evidence and Knowledge Translation Monitor and summarise developments in MND and neurodegenerative disease research. Prepare and support research briefings, reports, and recommendations for the Board, management, donors, and stakeholders. Translate complex scientific information into accessible language for people living with MND, carers, donors, and the wider community. Support the development of publications, newsletters, website content, and presentations relating to research activities. Governance and Quality Ensure research activities supported by the Trust align with applicable ethical, regulatory, and governance requirements. Provide advice on research integrity, ethical considerations, and best practice. Contribute to the evaluation of the impact of the Trust's research investments and activities. Assist with reporting to funding partners, donors, and other stakeholders. Person Specification Essential Qualifications and Experience Postgraduate qualification (master's degree or PhD preferred) in a relevant field such as health sciences, medicine, neuroscience, public health, rehabilitation, epidemiology, or related discipline. Experience in health or medical research, either as a researcher, clinician-researcher, research manager, or research advisor. Demonstrated ability to critically appraise scientific literature and research proposals. Experience preparing research reports, summaries, or funding recommendations for non-technical audiences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills. Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a small organisation environment. Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and their application in research. Knowledge of MND, neurodegenerative diseases, disability, or rare disease sectors. Experience with research funding, grant management, or philanthropic research programmes. Familiarity with New Zealand's health research environment, including universities, Health New Zealand, and major research funders. Experience working with charitable, not-for-profit, or community organisations. For enquiries or a copy of the full position description please email Mark Leggett, Chief Executive (************@mnd.org.nz) Closing date: Applications close midday, Friday, 14th August, 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr