- Are you an excellent communicator who can inspire students through your teaching?
- Do you have a PhD in hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, physical geography and/or earth science?
- Have you got a record of research and/or teaching that engages with contemporary social and environmental issues?
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Pūkenga - Lecturer or Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography to join Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua - School of Geography, Environmental and Earth Sciences on a permanent, full-time basis.
We are seeking applicants with a background in Physical Geography and/or Earth Science. We are especially interested in applicants with experience in fluvial geomorphology or hydrology. However, we also welcome applications from physical geographers or earth scientists with research, professional, and teaching experience aligned with these disciplines.
The appointee will join our vibrant academic community, complementing existing research strengths while bringing new perspectives to our teaching programmes.
Key responsibilities:
- Deliver and coordinate high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Hydrology and Physical Geography, implementing innovative teaching methods and mentoring students.
- Establish and/or develop a robust research programme, secure external funding, supervise postgraduate students, and disseminate research findings.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to honouring the University’s obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and be dedicated to growing relationships with iwi and community. Have familiarity, or possess the desire to become familiar with, tikanga, mātauranga Māori and data sovereignty in relation to Physical Geography research.
- Contribute to Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua - School of Geography, Environmental and Earth Sciences strategic priorities, such as improving the student experience and recruiting and retaining underrepresented student groups.
- Contribute to service and leadership within our School, Faculty, University and/or wider profession.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
You will be motivated by a passion for hydrology or a related discipline and be committed to high-quality research and teaching.
Key requirements:
- A PhD in hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, physical geography and/or Earth Science specialising in hydrology, fluvial geomorphology and/or a related field.
- Excellent communication skills with an ability to inspire students through their teaching.
- A strong record of published academic research or impactful professional practice appropriate for Lecturer/Senior Lecturer.
- Ability to secure research funding and manage research projects.
- Capacity to build connections with a range of groups (such as communities, iwi, government, or professional practitioners).
- Demonstrated research and/or teaching that engages with and informs contemporary social and environmental issues.
- Outstanding people and communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work closely and collegially with other academic, technical, and administrative staff members to achieve the goals of the School.
- Capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues from a range of discipline areas.
For appointment at Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer level, experience in teaching, research, and engagement commensurate with the role will be required.
Role Descriptions: Click the below links to see further information, including salary details.
Pūkenga - Lecturer
Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer
If these links are not available, click 'apply' to view them on the University careers page.
Close date for vacancy: 27 April 2026.
Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Anne Gold, Head of School (anne.gold@vuw.ac.nz).
How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.
Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.
Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.
Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team
Discover Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua - School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences, where critical global issues are tackled through innovative research and teaching. Home to the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute, our school offers collaboration with leading experts. Contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in a dynamic and supportive environment!
