"Pūkenga - Lecturer in Study of Religion"

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a permanent, full-time Pūkenga - Lecturer in our Study of Religion Programme. The Programme aims to recruit a dynamic scholar-teacher who will complement the current staff’s expertise. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, demonstrated excellence in teaching, a developing research profile, and clear commitment to public engagement.

Teaching responsibilities include contributing to undergraduate courses across contemporary themes in religious studies. The successful applicant will supervise MA and PhD research on a broad range of topics, including research on religion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Study of Religion Programme has an outstanding record and reputation in its teaching, research, and public engagement. It has a strong collegial culture which actively supports early-career academics. We are committed to greater equity and diversity and to supporting research and teaching that upholds our responsibilities to te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be a collaborative, and adaptable colleague who will provide teaching excellence in a busy and dynamic Programme. You will be a highly motivated forward-thinker who demonstrates a capacity for high quality and innovative teaching and research in your specialist field.

You will thrive in this role because you have the capacity to build and maintain positive relationships with staff, a passion for teaching and mentoring students at all levels of their university study, and a commitment to the forms of academic administration that can enhance the effectiveness of the work that staff perform and the related outcomes.

Key requirements:

• A PhD in the Study of Religion or a relevant field.
• Evidence of successful teaching and course development in relevant subjects.
• An existing record of published academic research and/or a developing research profile.
• The capacity to provide academic mentoring and related pastoral care to diverse cohorts of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• A commitment to building positive and supportive relationships with colleagues.
• The capacity to work as part of a team as well as having individual responsibilities.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 20 March 2026

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Associate Professor, Philip Fountain (philip.fountain@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: 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.