- Are you committed to excellence in research and teaching, with a passion for vertebrate biology, ecology, and conservation?
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a Pūkenga/Pūkenga Matua - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Terrestrial Vertebrate Biology to join Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora - School of Biological Sciences on a permanent, full-time basis.
We are seeking an outstanding researcher and educator to join our Ecology and Biodiversity programme. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research programme with strategic relevance to Aotearoa New Zealand. Areas of particular interest include terrestrial vertebrate biology, especially research relating to herpetofauna and/or introduced terrestrial mammals. Research with applications in conservation biology, wildlife management, pest species ecology, biodiversity monitoring, restoration ecology, or related fields is highly desirable.
The appointee will contribute to our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes, including field-based courses, and will supervise postgraduate students. Familiarity with, or a willingness to develop capability in, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori as they relate to ecological research and teaching is expected.
The successful candidate will be expected to build productive collaborations with iwi, government agencies, conservation organisations, and other stakeholders, while contributing to the School's research and teaching excellence.
Key responsibilities:
- Deliver excellent teaching and contribute to course coordination across undergraduate and postgraduate Ecology and Biodiversity programmes, including field-based teaching.
- Establish and develop an externally funded research programme, including attracting research funding, supervising postgraduate students, and publishing high-quality research outputs.
- Contribute to the strategic goals of Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora - School of Biological Sciences, including enhancing student success, strengthening research impact, and supporting an inclusive and diverse academic environment.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with iwi, government agencies, NGOs, industry partners, and the wider ecological and conservation community.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
You will be motivated by a passion for vertebrate biology, ecology, and conservation and be committed to excellence in both research and teaching. You will be an enthusiastic and collegial academic who is excited by the opportunity to contribute to a thriving Ecology and Biodiversity programme while developing a research programme that addresses important ecological challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand.
Key requirements:
A PhD in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, Wildlife Biology, or a related discipline. A developing (Pūkenga - Lecturer) or established (Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer) record of high-quality research publications and a clear research vision. Expertise in terrestrial ecology, with strengths relevant to herpetofauna or introduced terrestrial mammals, and conservation biology, wildlife management, pest ecology, restoration ecology, or related fields. Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including field-based teaching. Evidence of, or potential for, attracting external research funding and developing productive research collaborations. A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a willingness to engage with tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori in research and teaching. There are many benefits to working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, including being part of New Zealand's top research university.
Pūkenga - Lecturer role description - click here to see further information, including salary.
If the above links are unavailable, click 'apply' to view these on the University careers page.
Close date for vacancy: 08 October 2026.
Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Janet Pitman (janet.pitman@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.
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
Discover Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora - School of Biological Sciences! Immerse yourself in innovative programs in biomedical science, biotechnology, and conservation biology. Collaborate with award-winning researchers driving breakthroughs in climate change and coral reef conservation. Be part of a vibrant community pushing the boundaries of biological sciences and making impactful discoveries!
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