Job Information
- Organisation/Company: National University of Vanuatu
- Research Field: Environmental science; Geosciences
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2); Established Researcher (R3)
- Application Deadline: 14 Sep 2026 - 00:00 (UTC)
- Country: Vanuatu
- Type of Contract: Other
- Job Status: Full-time
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
Supervisor: Head of School of Science / Dean of Faculty of Science & Technology
Background
The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) was established by Act No. 34 of 2019. Located in Port Vila, its mission is to promote higher education and lifelong learning through academic and professional excellence, through training, teaching and learning in English and French, research and international cooperation.
The existing Bachelor of Environmental Science, delivered at NUV in partnership with James Cook University and the University of New Caledonia since 2021, has laid the groundwork for academic training in the field. The National University of Vanuatu will offer a homegrown Bachelor of Tropical Island Environment from 2027 that will better respond to and focus on priority areas to train qualified people in the field of the environment and more specifically in the field of tropical islands for Vanuatu and the Pacific region
Purpose of the position
- Develop and deliver courses and undertake research in environmental and scientific disciplines.
- Provide high-quality teaching in integrated science, including environmental science topics such as basic science, ecology, climate change and other related fields. The lecturer will be responsible for delivering three to four courses per semester.
Position Summary
The NUV School of Science is seeking to appoint a competent and highly motivated Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, with responsibilities allocated approximately as follows: 70% teaching and course development, 20% research, and 10% administrative duties.
This position is responsible for developing and delivering a wide range of undergraduate environmental courses, with the possibility of teaching specialist courses aligned with their area of expertise.
The appointed Lecturer will contribute to the development of the new Bachelor’s degree programme in Tropical Islands Environment, which aims to build a strong national and international reputation for research, graduate training, and future academic programmes.
Excellence in teaching is a key priority for this position. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in environmental science with proven skills in teaching and coordination.
Key Responsibilities – Detailed Listing
Teaching
Design and deliver effective and engaging courses in environmental and integrated sciences, using innovative teaching methodologies, field-based learning, and modern technologies.
Deliver lectures through online, blended and face-to-face modes in English and/or French, organize seminars, workshops, and practical laboratory sessions to strengthen students’ foundational scientific knowledge and analytical skills.
Foster a supportive and inquiry-based learning environment that encourages active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration in addressing complex environmental issues.
The teaching workload will normally consist of two to three modules per semester.
Specific teaching assignments will depend on the candidate’s area of expertise and the needs of the School of Science, and may include, but are not limited to the following areas:
- Marine and terrestrial biology
- Ecology
- Geology
- Biochemistry
- Climate change
- Global environmental change
- Volcanology
- Seismology
- Geothermic
- Earth Science
- Risk management and natural disasters
- Humanitarian response
- Climatology
- Meteorology
- Natural Systems Modelling
- Mathematics applied to environment
- Hydrology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Sustainability
- Research Methodologies
Courses Development
Contribute to the development and enhancement of the environmental and integrated sciences courses. Integrate case studies, data analysis, and real-world environmental challenges to build practical problem-solving skills.
Research
Undertake individual and/or collaborative research relevant to scientific disciplines, including field-based and/or laboratory research projects in Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands. Participate in and present research results at technical seminars/workshops. Prepare and submit research papers to peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research outcomes at reputable national, regional, and international conferences. Contribute to the development of a recognised scientific research, awareness-raising, and outreach programme that strengthens the knowledge base of environmental stakeholders, including government agencies, regional organisations, civil society organisations, and development partners. This programme may include short courses, popular articles, newsletters, workshops, field days, applied research publications, and media contributions.
Assessment
Design and administer a range of assessment methods to evaluate students’ understanding of scientific concepts, their analytical skills, and their ability to apply knowledge. This includes laboratory reports, research projects, data analysis assignments, presentations, and examinations. Provide timely and constructive feedback to support student progress and scientific inquiry. Contribute to the development of robust assessment standards for science programmes at NUV.
Academic & Research Support
Mentor and guide students throughout their scientific learning journey by providing academic advice, monitoring progress, and supporting the development of effective study and research strategies. Supervise student research projects, providing guidance from proposal development through to final report completion. Support the development of students’ critical thinking and data literacy skills through academic discussions, laboratory work, and project-based assignments.
Practical Skills & Fieldwork Coordination
Develop and oversee practical learning components, including laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and site visits, ensuring compliance with relevant safety standards and procedures. Design and deliver training modules that equip students with essential skills in data collection, environmental monitoring, and the use of scientific instrumentation.
Professional Development
Engage in continuous professional development by attending relevant scientific workshops, seminars, and conferences. Stay informed of major developments in environmental science, climate change research, sustainability practices, and educational technologies to enhance teaching effectiveness and curriculum relevance.
Collaboration
Collaborate with colleagues within the science department and across other faculties to foster interdisciplinary learning. Contribute to university-wide initiatives related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Participate in faculty meetings, share best practices, and engage in cross-departmental projects to enrich the academic environment. Participate in organizing science-related events, workshops, and outreach activities to enhance students’ engagement with the field.
Critical Competencies
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, responsibility, adaptability, and sound professional knowledge in the performance of duties
- Strive for excellence by promoting effective communication, inclusion, collaboration, and teamwork
- Contribute to the development of NUV through innovation, and a strong commitment to quality work
- Demonstrated experience and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in science, Environmental Science or a related scientific field
- Ability to deliver course content and communicate fluently in English and French or possess adequate written and spoken proficiency in both languages, with a strong commitment to further developing language skills. Institutional learning support is available to teaching staff wishing to enhance their communication abilities.
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, Teaching and Learning, or an equivalent pedagogical qualification.
- Proven experience teaching relevant scientific discipline at Bachelor’s and/or Master’s level.
- Strong knowledge of science pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, and strategies for assessing theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Knowledge of technology-enhanced science education and learning management platforms, such as Moodle.
- Commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
- Experience in programme coordination with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with students, colleagues, and external partners.
Preferred Skills and Abilities
- In-depth theoretical and applied knowledge in the key areas covered by the programme, such as biology, ecology, marine biology, earth sciences, sustainable development, climate science and climate change.
- Cultural and ecological understanding of Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), particularly, Vanuatu, including local environmental challenges and conservation efforts.
- Expertise in the use of ICT in education.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to make complex scientific topics accessible and engaging (science popularisation).
- Bilingual (English and French) with knowledge of Bislama
- An understanding of AI tools in science
Required Experience
- Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in education
- Teaching experience at university level would be an advantage
- Experience in programme development would be an advantage
- Relevant professional experience in the subject areas covered by the courses would be an advantage
Language
Fluency in English and French. Knowledge of Bislama would be an advantage.
Equal Opportunity
The National University of Vanuatu is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. All employment decisions within the NUV programme must be based on merit and equal opportunity. The NUV programme is committed to ensuring fair, equal, and impartial treatment of all employees in all aspects of employment. The NUV programme is also committed to respecting gender balance in employment and providing employment opportunities for people with special needs. In carrying out its employment decisions, the NUV programme will not discriminate on the basis of sex, religion, nationality, race, language or disability.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Annual salary range: 5 M – 5.3 M VT depending on qualifications and experience + 25% benefits
Full-time three-year local contract, with the possibility of extension depending on performance.
Need to meet the Republic of Vanuatu immigration requirements and commit to living and working in Port Vila full time
Contact Person
Potential applicants with specific questions are welcome to contact the human resources’ service at apply@univ.edu.vu
Application Procedures
The application must include the following:
- a cover letter providing a comprehensive description of the applicant's teaching, research, and academic leadership philosophy, and addresses the required and preferred qualifications, experience, skills, and competencies relevant to marine studies.
- A complete Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing educational qualifications, professional and academic experience, teaching experience, research achievements, publications, conference presentations, consultancy work, and grants or research funding secured…
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and official academic transcripts
- Contact details of three (3) professional referees who can comment on the applicant's academic, research, and professional capabilities
- NUV_ACADEMIC_APPLICATION_FORM
Please send your application documents in PDF format to apply@univ.edu.vu with the following subject line:
Application [YOUR NAME] NUV – Lecturer in Environmental Sciences
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