"Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology"

Job Details

Reference # 30910

Posted on 11 Feb 2026

Closes on 25 Mar 2026 23:55

Location(s) Christchurch

Expertise Lecturer, Senior Lecturer

Job level(s) Academic

Work type(s) Continuing (Permanent) full-time

More details (document)

Position description 1 Lecturer Forensic Psychology PD.pdf

Position description 2 Senior Lecturer Forensic Psychology P

Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing

Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science

Te Whare Wānanaga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury

Located in Christchurch, New Zealand

Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)

Continuing (permanent) position

What You Will Do

Te Whare Wānanaga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is seeking to fill a permanent, full-time Lecturer or Senior Lecturer (equivalent to a tenured Assistant Professor in the US System) post in the discipline of Psychology in Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing. The successful candidate will be an accomplished and experienced researcher in any area of Forensic Psychology. In this role you will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in forensic psychology; assist with academic initiatives within the School and the University; assist with the supervision of research related to Forensic Psychology; and seek external funding to support staff and student research.

Who You Are

Applicants should have a PhD or an appropriate equivalent qualification in Forensic Psychology or related field. The successful candidate will have an ability and willingness to deliver high quality teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and a commitment to conducting world-class research in an area complementary to current strengths within our School. We encourage applications from researchers specialising in all types of methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, kaupapa Māori, or talanoa methodologies. We are looking for a colleague who is able and willing to work collaboratively with the team to continually develop and elevate the profile of Forensic Psychology offerings at the University, update the current curriculum, and explore opportunities for establishing associated professional qualifications at the University.

The essential selection criteria are:

A PhD in Forensic Psychology or a closely related discipline.

Research and scholarship in a field relevant to Forensic Psychology, consistent with appointment at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer.

Experience teaching and coordinating undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Demonstrated ability and ongoing willingness to encourage, facilitate and supervise the research of Honours, Masters, and PhD students on topics related to Forensic Psychology.

Demonstrated potential and willingness to generate external research income.

Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to develop and lead innovative research programmes.

Demonstrate an understanding of and/or willingness to learn about bicultural and multicultural issues in Aotearoa New Zealand Society, including a commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi, and display a willingness to engage professionally with equity and diversity.

Demonstrated acceptable administration, and/or University and/or professional service contribution.

Māori and Pacific candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are not required to hold professional psychologist registration; however, registration would be viewed favourably by the panel.

Who You Will Work With

This position provides the opportunity to be part of, and contribute to, a strong, supportive, and forward-looking School dedicated to excellence in (a) undergraduate and postgraduate education in Psychology, Speech and Audiology; (b) Forensic Psychology research; and (c) to facilitate the use by society of the knowledge gained.

Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora -– Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community, and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender, or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good, and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment, this includes:

Relocation support

Five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays

UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility

Widely accessible sabbatical provision

Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

University and Faculty scholarship support for post-graduate students

A unique bequest funded endowment (Erskine Fund) that supports an extensive visiting fellowship programme

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive working environment

Professional development and study opportunities

Living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information on our Benefits, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/

This role sits within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Support Staff Collective Agreement and the following salary scale applies: Lecturer $94,181p.a. - $113,616p.a; Senior Lecturer $119,586p.a. - $135,630p.a.

The closing date for this position is: 25 March 2026 (midnight NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed after the close date.

How to Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted online through our careers website and should include:

A 'cover letter' including a 2-3 page statement outlining your research interests and goals, teaching philosophy, and your thoughts on how you could contribute to the team, and

A 'resume' which includes a list of relevant research publications.

Unfortunately, we do not accept applications by email; however, we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process. Please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact the Chair of the selection committee: Dr Jacinta Cording, email: jacinta.cording@canterbury.ac.nz

or phone: +61 3 369 0723.