Lecturer/Pūkenga - Geology

University of Otago; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 97,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in New Zealand is seeking a Lecturer in Earth Sciences to enhance its teaching and research programs. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have a demonstrable record in research and teaching. Responsibilities include conducting classes, supervising research, and contributing to departmental initiatives. The role offers a salary range of $97,377 to $114,943 NZD per annum, with a start date flexible around July 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Earth sciences (or adjacent field).
• Excellent research record relative to opportunity.
• Field and/or laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to the research activities of the department.
• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in Earth sciences.
• Overseeing departmental administration and outreach initiatives.

Skills

Collaborative research

Interdisciplinary approaches

Science communication

Education

PhD in Earth Sciences

Job description

Overview

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY | TE TARI TĀTAI AROWHENUA
DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA

The role | Te mahi

The University of Otago’s Department of Geology is searching for a Lecturer who can add breadth, depth and value to our teaching and research programmes. (In New Zealand, a Lecturer is the equivalent of an Assistant Professor in North American academic systems.)

We are particularly interested in collaborative candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary Earth science approaches. The ideal candidate will have a research specialisation that will enable them to thrive and develop a strong research and teaching programme at the University of Otago and will be well placed to contribute to the university’s Vision 2040 and Pae Tata strategic plan to 2030.

The successful candidate will contribute to our department’s excellent teaching and learning culture and to our diverse, international research profile.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to the research activities of the department, including publishing in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, obtaining external funding support, and supervising research students.
• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in the broad area of Earth sciences, including developing new course content, implementing new teaching innovations and best practice pedagogy, and participating in collaborative teaching activities in classroom, laboratory and field settings.
• Contributing to the effective and efficient administration of the department and its responsibilities within the university and wider community, including outreach initiatives in New Zealand schools.

Skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

• PhD (or equivalent) in Earth sciences (or adjacent field).
• Excellent research record relative to opportunity.
• Experience in or potential for collaborative, interdisciplinary and innovative research.
• Commitment to research-informed teaching approaches.
• Field and/or laboratory experience.
• Proven abilities in science communication at multiple levels (public, schools, media, government).
• Ability and willingness to develop a firm commitment to the university’s Māori Strategic Framework and Pacific Strategic Framework.

Who we are | Ko wai mātou

The Department of Geology, which dates back to the founding of our university in 1869, is located in the heart of the University of Otago’s Victorian campus. The staff in our collegial department cover a wide range of Earth Science research areas. Together, we teach into well-regarded broad-reaching undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. We pride ourselves on research-informed teaching with substantial field and laboratory components and an emphasis on encouraging independent research. We make the most of our location adjacent to the geological wonders of New Zealand’s South Island and the Southern Ocean, and close links to Antarctica.

This is an opportunity for an energetic, creative and committed individual to make globally significant contributions in their chosen discipline while being well supported by a collegial and dynamic department and university.

Our department is home to a wide range of geological facilities and is supported by an exceptional team of professional staff. Facilities include the Centre for Trace Element Analysis, the Otago Repository for Core Analysis, the Otago Paleomagnetic Research Facility, a Scanning Electron Microscope Facilty, and a world-class paleontological preparation lab linked to our Geology Museum. We also offer resources for seismic fieldwork, field-based teaching and research, geochemical and rock laboratories, and one of New Zealand’s leading rock preparation and thin section centres. Our research also benefits from access to the university’s fleet of vessels, including the ocean-going RV Polaris II.

Further details | Pūroko

There is one full-time (1.0 FTE), permanent position available, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $97,377 to $114,943 per annum.

We anticipate that the successful applicant will be able to start in July 2026; however, the appointment start date has some flexibility. Please indicate your availability in your cover letter.

A candidate information pack will be provided. Additional enquiries about the role may be directed to Professor Andrew Gorman, Head of the Department of Geology, via the email address below.

Application | Tono

Applications are asked to provide:

• A cover letter addressing your:
  • Active research programme, with potential to grow at Otago.
  • Teaching and communication skills and experience, and commitment to teaching, mentoring and undergraduate and postgraduate research supervision.
  • Collaborative, cooperative and inclusive approach, including support for mātauranga Māori and multiculturalism.
• Curriculum vitae (no more than six pages).
• Names and email addresses of at least three referees.

To submit your application please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2501349 will close on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Additional Information

Contact: Professor Andrew Gorman

Position details: Information Statement

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin