Lecturer, Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor in Social Science

The University of Waikato; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 93,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato in Hamilton is seeking an experienced academic leader in Secondary Education - Social Sciences. You will teach, supervise postgraduate students and conduct research across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with online and in-person delivery on the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses.

As Lecturer, Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor you will contribute to curriculum development, research collaborations and engagement with schools and iwi.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline for appointment at Lecturer level; for Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor, a PhD in a relevant discipline is required.
• NZ Teaching Council practising certificate, or willingness to renew your certification.
• Knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum, particularly in Social Sciences.
• Broad knowledge of initial teacher education in Social Sciences or related secondary subjects.
• Proven tertiary teaching expertise including online delivery.
• Established research record and ongoing programme in Social Sciences education.
• Ability to supervise Masters and PhD students.
• Commitment to culturally responsive practice and engagement with Maori.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Social Sciences education.
• Develop and review curriculum and learning resources.
• Support, mentor and evaluate student teachers during professional experience placements.
• Collaborate with schools and associate teachers for placements and partnerships.

Skills

Academic leadership

Teaching

Research

Online teaching

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

NZ Teaching Council practising certificate

Job description

Job Description

Contribute to the development of future educators through high-quality teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and professional engagement.

• Inspire and prepare the next generation of educators
• Bring your expertise to a programme that is shaping the future of teacher education and educational practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Be part of a collaborative and research-informed team looking to contribute to initial teacher education, schools, kura, communities and the wider education sector.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated academic leader in Secondary Education - Social Sciences to join Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education at the University of Waikato. This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of future educators through high-quality teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and professional engagement.

You will contribute to the teaching and development of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with a focus on Social Sciences education and initial teacher education. You will prepare and deliver research-informed teaching, develop and review curriculum and learning resources, and support students through assessment and academic guidance. You will also support, mentor and evaluate student teachers during their professional experience placements and work collaboratively with schools and associate teachers. Teaching will involve online and in-person delivery across our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses.

You will maintain an active programme of research and scholarship, contribute to publications and research collaborations, and supervise postgraduate students, including PhD candidates where appropriate. Alongside your teaching and research, you will contribute to the School's strategic direction, administration and engagement with professional, community and iwi groups.

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.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week), based in Hamilton. The role involves travel for teaching and professional experience visits. The level of appointment will depend on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, knowledge, and experience. Salary will be in the range of $92,603 to $110,407 for a Lecturer $113,248 to $148,799, for a Senior Lecturer, or from $150,661 to $166,176 per year for an Associate Professor. For more information, please refer to the position descriptions, Lecturer , Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor . For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Dianne Forbes, Head of School at [e-mail].

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an accomplished educator and researcher with a strong commitment to high-quality teaching, student development and the advancement of Social Sciences education. You will bring relevant expertise and a collaborative approach to the School’s teaching, research and service activities.

To Be Successful In This Role, 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 current New Zealand Teaching Council practising certificate, or a willingness to renew your certification.
• Current knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum, particularly in Social Sciences.
• Broad and in-depth knowledge of initial teacher education in Social Sciences or a related secondary school subject, such as History, Business Studies, Accounting, Economics or Sociology.
• Demonstrated tertiary teaching expertise, including the ability to deliver lectures, facilitate seminars and tutorials, and use innovative teaching approaches, including effective online teaching.
• An established record of research and publication, or equivalent scholarly achievement, and an active programme of research in Social Sciences education.
• The ability to contribute to postgraduate programmes and supervise Master's and PhD students.
• A commitment to culturally responsive praictice and the ability to contribute positively to School, Division and Unviersity activities, inlcuding the University’s partnership with Maori.

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 areas including 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, Te Whai Toi Tangata Institute of Professional Learning, and Poutama Pounamu, which promotes contexts for change where equity, excellence and belonging can be realised.

Our research-informed programmes are delivered by high-quality 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’ll 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 NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that 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: Wednesday 25th November 2026