Lecturer, Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor of the Science Learning Area, Hamilton
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University of Waikato

Lecturer, Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor of the Science Learning Area

  • Posted Today
  • Hybrid
  • Full Time

$92.6  -  $166.18 k/yr

Hamilton

Job Description

Inspire future science educators and help shape the future of Science education through innovative teaching, impactful research and meaningful engagement with schools, communities and the wider profession.


  • Shape the next generation of Science educators
  • Advance research and innovation in Science education
  • Contribute to teacher development and student success


Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role


We are seeking enthusiastic and capable academics in Science Education to join Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education at the University of Waikato. These opportunities will suit academics who are passionate about developing future teachers, advancing Science education and contributing to high-quality teaching, research and professional engagement.


Based in Hamilton, this role involves teaching across our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, both online and in person. You will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, particularly initial teacher education, through research-informed teaching, curriculum development, assessment and student support. You will also help prepare and mentor student teachers during their professional experience.


You will maintain and develop an active programme of research and scholarship, contribute to publications and research collaborations, and support postgraduate research supervision. You will also contribute to the School's administration, programme development and engagement with professional, community and iwi organisations.


The level of appointment will reflect the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, research profile and demonstrated contribution to teaching, scholarship and academic service.

We welcome applications from candidates with expertise across secondary Science education and a strong understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and teacher education. We are particularly interested in academics who can contribute specialist expertise in Science while supporting learning and development across the broader science education field.


At Lecturer level, you will contribute to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and School activities while continuing to develop your academic profile. At Senior Lecturer level, you will bring an established record of teaching and research, contribute to research collaborations and undertake leadership responsibilities within programmes, research and academic service. At Associate Professor level, you will demonstrate sustained excellence in teaching and research, provide academic leadership, mentor colleagues and make a significant contribution to the School, Division and wider academic community.


These are permanent positions based in Hamilton, with teaching delivered both online and across our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. The standard working week is 37.5 hours.


The level of appointment will be determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, knowledge, and experience. The salary range is $92,603  to $110,407 per year for Lecturer, or $113,428 to $148,799 per year for a Senior Lecturer, or $150,661 to $166,176 per year for an Associate Professor. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week), based at our Hamilton Campus.


For more information, please refer to the position descriptions for Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Science. For a confidential conversation about the role once you have reviewed these, please contact Dianne Forbes, Head of School, at Dianne.forbes@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.


Ko wai koe? – Who are you?


You are a committed educator and researcher with a strong interest in Science education and the development of future teachers. You bring current knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum and broad expertise in secondary Science education, together with a collaborative approach to teaching, research and academic service.


You will be able to develop engaging, research-informed learning experiences, support students from diverse backgrounds and contribute to a positive and inclusive academic environment. You will also be motivated to maintain your professional knowledge, engage with contemporary approaches to Science education and contribute to the ongoing development of the School. To be successful, you will have:


  • A PhD, or be working towards completion of a doctoral degree, in a relevant discipline for appointment at Lecturer level. For Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor appointments, a PhD in a relevant discipline is required.
  • A recognised teaching qualification and a current New Zealand Teaching Council practising certificate, or a willingness to obtain or renew certification.
  • Current knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum, particularly Science Education, and a strong understanding of science teaching and learning in secondary contexts.
  • The ability to evaluate and mentor initial teacher education students during their professional experience.
  • Demonstrated tertiary teaching capability, including the ability to deliver lectures, facilitate seminars and tutorials, develop learning resources and use innovative teaching approaches, including online teaching.
  • The ability to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and supervise postgraduate students, appropriate to the level of appointment.
  • An active interest in research and scholarship, with a record of research and publication appropriate to the level of appointment.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, organisation and time management skills, with the ability to work effectively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
  • A commitment to culturally responsive practice and the ability to contribute positively to School, Division and University activities, including the University's partnership with Māori.


For Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor appointments, you will also demonstrate a well-established record of research, scholarship and academic contribution. Associate Professor candidates will be expected to demonstrate sustained excellence and academic leadership, including mentoring colleagues, leading research initiatives and contributing to the strategic direction and research culture of the School.


Experience securing external research funding, understanding bicultural approaches and Māori and Pasifika perspectives, and engagement with professional organisations and research networks will be advantageous.


Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At the University of Waikato, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and genuine workplace. If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.


Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?


Te Wānanga Toi Tangata Division of Education provides innovative approaches to education and educational research. The Division includes Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across initial teacher education, education and society, counsellor education, social work, disability and inclusion, human development, educational leadership, digital learning, and teaching English to speakers of other languages.


The Division also includes the Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, which supports the management, completion and dissemination of research; Te Whai Toi Tangata Institute of Professional Learning, which provides high-quality professional learning opportunities; and Poutama Pounamu, which promotes contexts for change where equity, excellence and belonging can be realised.

Our research-informed programmes are delivered by academic staff to domestic and international students. We are committed to enhancing education through teaching, research and professional services.


He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?


We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you will enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.


The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand in accordance with New Zealand immigration regulations.


Ko te Tangata – For the People


The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.


Applications close:  Tuesday November 24, 2026

Requisition number: 1003987

Desired Hard Skills

  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Curriculum Development
  • Mentoring
  • Postgraduate Supervision

Desired Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Culturally Responsive Practice
  • Organisation

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🤗 Here for Good Leave
  • 📆 Paid Volunteer Leave
  • 🧕 Inclusive Workspace
  • 🧠 Mental Health Workshops
  • 💚 Counselling Services
  • 🌿 Wellness Program
  • 🏥 Subsidised Health Insurance
  • 📈 Professional Development
  • 🛂 Visa Sponsorship
  • 🏎 Competitive Salary
  • 🎉 Employee Discounts and Rewards
  • 🚚 Relocation Support
  • 💻 Company Supplied Technology
  • ⏰ Flexible Work
  • ☕ Work Café
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  • 🚻 Unisex Bathrooms
  • 🏃 Women Leadership
  • 🌏 Sustainability Policy
  • ♻ Recycle
  • 🗣 Support Services for Employees
  • 💡 Internal Mentoring
  • 🤲 Volunteering
  • 🚪 Open Door Policy
  • 🙌 Community Focused
  • 👪 Family Friendly
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer
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