"Academic Appointments in Industrial Design, ZZU"

Wellington, New Zealand (On-site)

Job Description

• Do you appreciate the importance of teaching and learning best practice?
• Are you an experienced academic interested in a permanent role based in China?
• Have you got experience in supervising student research at Honours, Master’s, and/or PhD level?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently seeking an academic with expertise in Industrial Design, and we will consider applicants from entry level to senior academics, to join the exciting, new Wellington Institute of Zhengzhou University joint educational partnership in Zhengzhou, China, on a permanent, full-time basis.The level of appointment, either Pūkenga - Lecturer, Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer, or Ahonuku - Associate Professor, will depend on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.This role is based in China full-time, and teaching is to be conducted in English. As this is an international programme, we welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from New Zealand and overseas.

Key responsibilities:

• Academically rigorous teaching across undergraduate level.
• Contribution to the collegial development of the programme, School, and Faculty.
• On-going research activity appropriate for career stage.
• Senior appointments may be asked to contribute to programme leadership.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be passionate about teaching industrial design in a contemporary international context to a diverse range of Chinese students and appreciate the importance of teaching and learning best practice.

You will have excellent oral and written communication skills in English as well as excellent interpersonal skills. You will ideally have demonstrated expertise in teaching and research or the practice of digital fabrication and industrial design history.

The successful candidate will preferably have a PhD, but must have a Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline.

This position is one of the first appointments being made to this joint institute where the appointees will be based in China. Candidates will be expected to show leadership and collegiality in developing academic programmes.

Key requirements:

• A completed PhD, or at least Master’s degree in Industrial Design.
• Demonstrated evidence of a high standard of teaching in a relevant field at tertiary level.
• Demonstrated evidence of leadership in tertiary education.
• Ability to work with students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising student research at Honours, Master’s, and/or PhD level.
• An online portfolio demonstrating Industrial Design Practice.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Take this exciting opportunity to join us in developing and expanding this new joint educational institute, the Wellington Institute of Zhengzhou University, where the creative powerhouses of Te Herenga Waka and Zhengzhou University unite. You’ll help shape a pioneering curriculum, mentor the next generation of visionary designers, and contribute to a vibrant academic community that thrives on creativity and cross-cultural exchange. Engage with dynamic projects, harness cutting-edge technology, and join a community where your educational and research visions become impactful realities.

Role Description: Click the below links to see further information, including salary.

Pūkenga | Lecturer in Industrial Design

Pūkenga Matua | Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design

Ahonuku | Associate Professor in Industrial Design

If these links are not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 24 February 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Ahorangi - Professor Leon Gurevitch, Tumuaki - Head of School, Te Kura Hoahoa - School of Design Innovation (leon.gurevitch@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 must be eligible to work in China. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

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

Immerse yourself in Te Kura Hoahoa - School of Design Innovation, a creative powerhouse where design does more than shape our world - it reimagines it. Collaborate with industry giants, harness cutting-edge technology, and join a community where your design visions become impactful realities. Here, innovation isn’t just taught; it’s lived. Forge your path in a place that celebrates the bold and the visionary. Your design future awaits!

Apply Now

Job Info

• Job Identification 1008925
• Job Category Academic
• Posting Date 01/11/2026, 07:00 PM
• Apply Before 02/24/2026, 10:55 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Vivian Street, Wellington, 6011, NZ (On-site)