Working at the Department of Economics, University of Otago: Careers and Opportunities

Discovering Opportunities in a Premier Economics Hub

The Department of Economics at the University of Otago stands as a cornerstone of academic excellence within New Zealand's higher education landscape. Nestled in the vibrant city of Dunedin, this department within the Otago Business School fosters a dynamic environment where rigorous research meets innovative teaching. Faculty members engage deeply with global economic challenges, from behavioural insights to environmental sustainability, preparing professionals for impactful careers. For aspiring economists, lecturers, and researchers, working here offers a blend of intellectual stimulation and practical influence on policy and business decisions.

Dunedin's unique charm, with its stunning architecture and proximity to natural wonders like the Otago Peninsula, enhances the professional experience. The university's reputation as one of New Zealand's top research institutions provides a supportive backdrop for career growth, attracting talent from around the world.

Academic Roles and Responsibilities

Core positions in the Department of Economics include lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors, and full professors. Lecturers typically handle undergraduate courses, supervise honours students, and begin building their research portfolios. Responsibilities encompass delivering lectures on topics like microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, while contributing to programme development.

Senior lecturers and above take on advanced research leadership, grant applications, and PhD supervision. The department emphasises a balanced workload, with academics often splitting time between teaching (around 40%), research (40%), and service (20%). This structure allows for meaningful engagement without overwhelming administrative burdens.

Professional staff roles, such as research assistants or programme coordinators, support these efforts by managing data analysis, event organisation, and student advising. These positions appeal to those with strong analytical skills seeking stable university employment.

Research Landscape and Strengths

The department excels in diverse areas, reflecting the expertise of its faculty. Behavioural economics, led by professors like Nathan Berg and Stephen Knowles, explores decision-making anomalies and charitable behaviour through experiments. Health economics, with contributions from Neha Agarwal and Paul Hansen, addresses policy impacts on wellbeing and resource allocation.

Environmental and energy economics, spearheaded by Viktoria Kahui and Suchita Srinivasan, tackle sustainability challenges pertinent to New Zealand's context. Macroeconometrics and international trade round out the strengths, with Alfred Haug and Murat Üngör analysing fiscal policies and structural transformations. This breadth ensures collaborative projects and funding from bodies like the Marsden Fund.

Recent outputs include publications in top journals, underscoring the department's global standing. As New Zealand's second-ranked economics unit, it offers researchers access to cutting-edge facilities and international networks. Explore the academic staff directory to connect with potential collaborators.

Teaching and Student Engagement

Teaching at Otago Economics is student-centred, with small class sizes enabling personalised mentorship. Undergraduate majors cover foundational theory to applied fields like sports economics (Dorian Owen) and industrial organisation (Peter Gibbard). Postgraduate programmes, including PhDs and Masters directed by experts like Ronald Peeters, emphasise empirical skills using tools like Stata and R.

Faculty innovate with blended learning, incorporating real-world case studies from New Zealand's economy—such as dairy exports and housing markets. Student feedback highlights approachable lecturers and relevant content, contributing to high employability rates. Honours advisers like Murat Genç guide pathways to top PhD programmes abroad.

Compensation and Benefits Package

Competitive salaries define working at Otago Economics. Lecturer positions start around NZ$97,000, scaling to NZ$148,000 for senior lecturers, with associate professors earning NZ$142,000–NZ$166,000 and professors exceeding NZ$200,000 including allowances. These figures, effective from recent collective agreements, include step progressions based on performance.

Benefits encompass KiwiSaver contributions up to 8%, generous superannuation, 42 days annual leave, sabbaticals every three years for academics, and professional development funds. Health insurance subsidies, gym access, and childcare support enhance appeal. In Dunedin, lower living costs compared to Auckland amplify purchasing power. Review the official pay scales for precise details.

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• Annual salary reviews with merit increases
• Study leave provisions for further qualifications
• Relocation assistance for international hires
• Parental leave exceeding statutory minimums

Daily Life and Department Culture

A collegial atmosphere permeates the department, as noted on its pages. Weekly seminars feature guest speakers, fostering idea exchange. Faculty collaborate across behavioural, macro, and environmental clusters, often co-authoring papers. The head, Professor Ronald Peeters, promotes inclusivity and work-life balance.

Dunedin's compact campus means short commutes, with cafes and trails nearby. Social events, like end-of-semester gatherings, build camaraderie. Reviews praise supportive colleagues and beautiful surroundings, though some note intense periods during marking seasons. International staff appreciate New Zealand's welcoming vibe and work visa pathways.

Career Progression and Development

Progression is merit-based, with clear promotion criteria emphasising publications, teaching excellence, and service. Junior lecturers receive mentorship for tenure-track success. PhD directors like Stephen Knowles prepare graduates for academia or policy roles.

Professional development includes conference funding, workshops, and leadership training. Many advance to department leadership or external consultancies. Alumni testimonials highlight Otago as a launchpad for global careers. Graduate profiles showcase success stories.

Work-Life Balance in Dunedin

Dunedin's lifestyle supports balance: hike Milford Sound weekends, ski Cardrona, or enjoy craft beers. The university promotes flexible hours, remote options post-COVID, and mental health resources. Glassdoor rates Otago 4.2/5, citing great colleagues and campus beauty, with cons like variable workloads.

For families, excellent schools and safe streets matter. Economists value proximity to Wellington policymakers for impact.

Challenges and Realistic Expectations

Challenges include New Zealand's small job market, requiring grant competitiveness. Teaching demands evolve with digital tools. Yet, solutions like collaborative funding bids mitigate these. Prospective staff should expect a supportive environment aiding adaptation.

How to Apply and Next Steps

Applications go via the university's Taleo portal. Tailor CVs to research fit, prepare statements on teaching philosophy. Interviews often involve seminars. Recent postings sought expertise in any economics field, signalling openness. Check current vacancies.

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• Review job descriptions thoroughly
• Network via seminars or LinkedIn
• Prepare for NZ-specific questions

Future Outlook and Opportunities

With NZ's economy evolving—green transitions, AI impacts—the department eyes growth in data economics and policy analysis. Up to four lecturer positions signal expansion. Working here positions you at the forefront, blending academia with real-world relevance.