Lecturer, Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor in Health and Physical Education

University of Waikato · Hamilton · NZ$92,603–NZ$110,407 (stated in the posting)

Bring your expertise in Health and Physical Education at primary or secondary school level to inspire future educators through innovative teaching, impactful research and meaningful engagement with the profession and community.

Shape the next generation of Health and Physical educators
Advance research and innovation in Health and Physical education
Contribute to teacher development and student success

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable academic in Health and Physical Education to join Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education at the University of Waikato. This opportunity will suit an academic who is passionate about developing future teachers, advancing Health and Physical education and contributing to high-quality teaching, research and professional engagement.
Based in Hamilton, this role involves teaching online and across our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. You will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, particularly initial teacher education, through research-informed teaching, curriculum development, assessment and student support. You will also help prepare and mentor student teachers during their professional experience.
You will maintain and develop an active programme of research and scholarship, contribute to publications and research collaborations, and support postgraduate research supervision. You will also contribute to the School's administration, programme development and engagement with professional, community and iwi organisations.
The level of appointment will reflect the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, research profile and demonstrated contribution to teaching, scholarship and academic service.
At Lecturer level, you will contribute to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and School activities while developing your academic profile. At Senior Lecturer level, you will bring an established record of teaching and research, contribute to research collaborations and take on appropriate leadership responsibilities. At Associate Professor level, you will demonstrate sustained research and teaching excellence, provide academic leadership, mentor colleagues and make a significant contribution to the School, Division and wider academic community.
These are permanent positions based in Hamilton, with teaching delivered online or at our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses. The standard working week is 37.5 hours.
The level of appointment will be determined based on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, knowledge, and experience. The salary range is $92,603 to $110,407 per year for Lecturer, or $113,428 to $148,799 per year for a Senior Lecturer, or $150,661 to $166,176 per year for an Associate Professor. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week), based at our Hamilton Campus.
For more information, please refer to the position descriptions for Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Health and Physical Education. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Dianne Forbes, Head of School, at Dianne.forbes@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
You are a committed educator and researcher with a strong interest in Health and Physical education, hauora and wellbeing and the preparation of future teachers. You bring sound knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum and Health and Physical education across primary and/or secondary contexts, together with a collaborative approach to teaching, research and academic service.
You will be able to develop engaging, research-informed learning experiences, support students from diverse backgrounds and contribute to a positive and inclusive academic environment. You will also be motivated to maintain your professional knowledge and contribute to the School's ongoing development.
To be successful, you will have:

A PhD, or be working towards completion of a doctoral degree, in a relevant discipline for appointment at Lecturer level. For Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor appointments, a PhD in a relevant discipline is required.
A recognised teaching qualification and a current New Zealand Teaching Council practising certificate, or a willingness to obtain or renew certification.
Current knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum, and a broad understanding of Health and Physical education in primary and/or secondary settings.
The ability to evaluate and mentor initial teacher education students during their professional experience.
The ability to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and supervise postgraduate students, appropriate to the level of appointment.
An active interest in research and scholarship, with a record of research and publication appropriate to the level of appointment.
A commitment to culturally responsive pedagogies and the ability to contribute positively to School, Division and University activities.

For Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor appointments, you will also demonstrate a more established record of research, scholarship and academic contribution. Associate Professor candidates will be expected to demonstrate sustained excellence and academic leadership, including mentoring colleagues and contributing to the development of research culture and strategic direction.
An understanding of bicultural approaches and Māori and Pasifika perspectives, and experience contributing to external research funding applications will be valuable. We also welcome candidates who are keen to build their engagement with relevant professional organisations and research networks.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At the University of Waikato, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and genuine workplace. If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?
Te Wānanga Toi Tangata Division of Education provides innovative approaches to education and educational research. The Division includes Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across initial teacher education, education and society, counsellor education, social work, disability and inclusion, human development, educational leadership, digital learning, and teaching English to speakers of other languages.
The Division also includes the Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, which supports the management, completion and dissemination of research; Te Whai Toi Tangata Institute of Professional Learning, which provides high-quality professional learning opportunities; and Poutama Pounamu, which promotes contexts for change where equity, excellence and belonging can be realised.
Our research-informed programmes are delivered by academic staff to domestic and international students. We are committed to enhancing education through teaching, research and professional services.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?
We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you will enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.
The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand in accordance with New Zealand immigration regulations.

Ko te Tangata – For the People
The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.
E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close: Sunday November 29, 2026
Requisition number: 1003990

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