Pūkenga | Lecturer - Botany

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

Job summary

The University of Otago invites applications for a Lecturer in Botany. We seek a dynamic researcher and teacher with a strong track record in plant genetics, physiology, or pathology, including related fields such as stress physiology or biotechnology.

The role offers opportunities to teach and conduct research, with emphasis on engaging and supporting Māori and Pasifika communities, and to contribute to Te Tiriti o Waitangi frameworks. Permanent, full-time, based in Dunedin, start February 2027.

Qualifications

• A PhD with a research focus in plant genetics, plant physiology, plant pathology, or similar field.
• Strong track record of publishing in high quality scientific journals, and presenting research at national/international symposia.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students and staff from differing academic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability and passion for delivering high-quality teaching that will support and enhance the Department’s degree programme.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and research in Botany aligned with national funding priorities.
• Develop and pursue an independent, on-going research programme with funding success.
• Contribute to engagement with Māori and Pasifika communities within the department and university.

Skills

PhD in Botany

Plant genetics

Plant physiology

Plant pathology

Teaching excellence

Research funding

Communication skills

Collaborations with researchers

Education

PhD in Botany

Job description

DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA

The Division of Sciences is one of the four teaching divisions in the University, the others being Health Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities. The Division of Sciences represents a broad range of disciplines in 15 Departments and a number of inter-disciplinary programmes.

Ko wai mātou | Who we are

The Division of Sciences is one of the four teaching divisions in the University, the others being Health Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities. The Division of Sciences represents a broad range of disciplines in 15 Departments and a number of inter-disciplinary programmes.

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DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY | TE TARI HUAOTA

DIVISION OF SCIENCES | TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA

Ko wai mātou | Who we are

The Division of Sciences is one of the four teaching divisions in the University, the others being Health Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities. The Division of Sciences represents a broad range of disciplines in 15 Departments and a number of inter-disciplinary programmes.

The Department of Botany at the University of Otago based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Te Wai Pounamu South Island is the only Department of Botany in Aotearoa New Zealand and has a long history, being the first Department of Botany to be formed in this country.

Staff in the Department of Botany teach into a wide range of degree majors, including Botany, Ecology, Genetics, Plant Biotechnology, Food Science, Pharmacy, Agricultural Innovation, Marine Science and Oceanography. Our Department has a strong research culture, that fosters collaboration internally, across the university, and with external and international research institutions. Researchers in the department produce high impact theoretical and applied research spanning ecosystem science, plant functional biology, cell and molecular biology and taxonomy, with a strong emphasis on the ecology and evolution of New Zealand flora*, ecosystem processes and services, environmental change and resilience, physiological processes and plant-human interactions, including food (*‘flora’ defined broadly to include terrestrial and aquatic vascular and non-vascular plants, fungi, algae, cyanobacteria and plant viruses).

Te mahi | The Role

Applications are invited for the position of Lecturer in Botany. We are seeking to appoint a dynamic researcher and teacher with a strong track record of research in plant genetics, plant physiology, plant pathology or a similar field. This might include research in plant stress physiology, developmental genetics, biotechnology, plant virology or other similar fields of research. The applicant should demonstrate how their research aligns with national funding priorities. The successful candidate will pursue and engage in new opportunities that contribute to teaching and research in the Department of Botany.

The position affords the opportunity for interested scholars to teach and conduct research in a manner that is transformative and beneficial to Māori or Pasifika. Applicants are encouraged to identify the manner in which they will complement existing strengths in the Department and develop new and innovative directions in research and teaching.

Through this appointment we intend to further enable the Department of Botany to strengthen its engagement and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the University of Otago’s Māori Strategic Framework and Pacific Strategic Framework. The successful candidate will be an important part of our future plan to grow Māori and Pacifica academics within the Department.

Kā pūkeka me kā wheako | Skills and Experience

• A PhD with a research focus in plant genetics, plant physiology, plant pathology, or similar field.
• A strong track record (relative to opportunity) of publishing research in high quality scientific journals, and presenting research at national/international symposia.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students and staff from differing academic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability and passion for delivering high-quality teaching that will support and enhance the Department’s degree programme.
• Ability to establish, develop and maintain an independent and on-going research programme with funding success.
• Have effective communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to create a collegial, supportive, and motivating environment for staff and students.
• Be committed to and/or have established connections or track record of collaboration with international and/or national researchers.
• Ability and desire to participate in service within the department, the University and wider community.

Pūroko | Further Details

This is a permanent, full-time (1 FTE) position, based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, and is available from February 2027.

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

Appointment level will be determined by the candidate’s academic achievements, skills, and experience.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Professor David Orlovich, Head of Department, Department of Botany|Te Tari Huaota via the contact details below.

Tono | Application

Applications quoting reference number 2601284 will close on 11:59 pm (NZST) on Sunday, 27 September 2026.