"Head of School, School of Science | Te Kura Pūtaiao"

• Seeking authentic, visionary academic and people leadership
• Lead and empower scientific innovation with a continual drive for excellence
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and equity in quality of experiences for students and staff
• 5-year fixed-term appointment, based at AUT's City Campus

As one of the world's top 100 young universities and New Zealand's newest, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a university of opportunity where all students with talent and potential have the chance to succeed. We are a socially driven university, with equity and excellence at the heart of our purpose and actions. We offer a stimulating teaching and research environment, characterised by strong connections to government, business, and industry. AUT has more than 26,000 students and over 4,000 staff, primarily based at our three Auckland campuses.

AUT's School of Science | Te Kura Pūtaiao

The School of Science comprises environmental and marine science, biological science, biomedical science, medical diagnostics, psychology and neuroscience, chemistry and food science. Part of our dynamic Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Science plays a pivotal role in AUT’s place as a university of technology and we are actively working to promote its profile within the university. We have a wonderful community of deeply committed academic scholars and professional colleagues, guided by Te Aronui (AUT's Te Tiriti framework). Our school produces culturally aware graduates with practical experience and skills that work in the real world, not just on paper, through courses designed to meet the shifting needs of the science workforce. Our staff drive innovative progress through our intensive, productive world-class research and engaging, relevant and practical teaching. Energy is high and it is an exciting time to consider joining us.

Please review the extensive candidate information handbook available for this role (includes details on the school, faculty, AUT, position description and more).

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

Join us and make real impact. A key member of an empowered Dean's Head of School Leadership Team, this role contributes significantly to the faculty’s direction and provides exceptional academic, administrative, and people management to more than 90 staff.

Key focus areas of this role include:

• Contribute to the collaborative leadership of the Faculty through:
  • Faculty-wide strategic and financial planning
  • Undertaking cross-school initiatives
  • Championing equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments
  • Ensuring the effective delivery of faculty-wide goals
• Lead and manage the school, ensuring operational and academic excellence within a cohesive, collaborative environment for staff and students.
• Support and enhance our innovative, exceptional research. Drive ongoing external research income growth and foster interdisciplinary research teams.
• Continue to develop the existing academic programmes that meet industry standards and student needs.
• Proactively cultivate strong partnerships with external stakeholders to amplify the school's national and international presence and influence.
• Drive the growth of international and postgraduate student enrolments.
• Foster staff professional development and uplift of leadership capabilities

About you | Ko wai koe

You will be recognised as a positive, encouraging and culturally capable leader who champions inclusivity and diversity, and is committed to creativity and innovation. Your ability to listen, connect, collaborate, communicate, and influence will be critical, as will be a strong respect for others. A resolute, robust and positive attitude is essential.

We welcome applications senior academic leaders of science with staff management experience. The key selection criteria being sought:

1. A record of academic achievement suitable for appointment as a professor (preferably) or associate professor. Please highlight relevant cross-disciplinary contributions.
2. Discipline expertise within our School of Science. Please also highlight your experience working successfully across other disciplines.
3. Previous experience line-managing academics. Please indicate the size/scale of staff led, as well as other key leadership contributions you may have made (such as, for example, running a research centre or high-level innovative pedagogy and curriculum development etc).
4. Successful track record securing grant funding and external research income.
5. Demonstrated ability to develop significant connections and partnerships with key stakeholders including industry, government, business and community.
6. A champion for equity. Capability to lead and support the school on its Te Tiriti journey.
7. A brief summary of your interest and experience embracing innovation.
8. Applicants are welcome to add further comments they may feel are relevant. A relevant PhD/doctorate is mandatory.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your full academic CV (including a complete list of publications and grant acquisitions) - please ensure to submit a) a cover letter which explains why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) a statement addressing how you feel you meet some, or all, of the criteria listed above.

Further Information:

• Start Date: The successful candidate would ideally join AUT in early-mid 2026 (to be agreed).
• Term: The successful candidate will secure a 5-year fixed-term to the role of Head of School (with potential for further extension). Please note, this position does not include an additional substantive permanent academic appointment.
• Salary: Aligned with the appropriate step in AUT's academic pay scales (Professor range: NZD $162,608 - $209,052; Associate Professor NZD $148,548 - $171,983). An additional annual allowance is also paid for Head of School responsibilities.
• Enquiries: Please contact Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - mike.wood@aut.ac.nz.

Advertising closes: Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11.55pm

Reference: 94078