Lehrer

Job Description

The University of Auckland is inviting applications from Plant Molecular Scientists to join our team in the School of Biological Sciences/Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora (SBS) for the position of Lecturer or Senior Lecturer.  

As an appointed Lecturer/Senior Lecturer your role will include:

• A research focus - where you will establish a competitive and innovative research programme to attract external research funding in the plant molecular sciences which may involve co-developing inter-institutional research projects.
• A teaching focus - where you will be contributing to our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes and supervising postgraduate students.  Teaching may be required at international partner institutions including in China for a period of approximately one month at a time. 
• Contributing to service-related activities (University and community).

What we are looking for

We are looking for a person with a strong academic background who conducts research in Plant Molecular Science. This could include improved sustainability of plant growth and food production and specialisations such as plant nutrition, plant metabolism, plant responses to stress or plant-microbe interactions. Your focus may be on understanding fundamental plant biology or on crop improvement via biotechnology.  You will bring expertise in plant molecular biology and molecular genetics and/or genomics or biochemistry. 

 A PhD in a relevant discipline and a demonstrated history of research excellence, with peer-reviewed publications and impact, is necessary. Applicants at the lecturer level should demonstrate a potential for excellence in teaching and supervision and strong international and community links, while applicants at the Senior Lecturer Level would be expected to have demonstrated high-quality teaching and supervision ability and have strong international and community links. Staff at the University of Auckland are expected to contribute to an engaged relationship with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our appointed candidate will also need to be passionate about student development and be willing to support and mentor our students at all levels. The main purpose of the role will be to: (i) teach and coordinate courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; (ii) undertake original research and secure external funding; (iii) to supervise research students towards Honours, Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), Masters and Doctoral degrees; and (iv) to work collegially to participate in the organisation and running of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS).  Communicating science, outreach and the application of research to address challenges to food security and the environment is relevant to further development as a highly competent scientist-practitioner.

We are looking for a person who has the capacity to enhance and develop current research initiatives within SBS. The successful applicant will demonstrate a synergy or complementarity with other research groupings within SBS including the Cellular Molecular and Organismal biology group and other members of the plant molecular science discipline that will enhance the research output, teaching quality, and reputation of the University.

For more position about the role, please view the position description.  

Why work for us?

SBS is a large, lively, and interdisciplinary School delivering excellence in research and teaching, with well-developed research facilities including controlled environment plant growth facilities, access to shared equipment centres including for genomics and mass spectroscopy and strong international and community links. We are in the heart of Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, a harbour-side city with rich cultural diversity, beaches, islands, iconic volcanoes, and lush forests. Auckland is consistently ranked in the top tier in global quality of life surveys.  

SBS is home to the University of Auckland’s first and oldest Tuākana programme (est. 1991)  which focuses on Māori and Pacific student academic learning success  and more than 40% of our academic staff are women. The University of Auckland/Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau is committed to a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential in an inclusive and collaborative community of scholars. We welcome applications that will enhance the diversity of our staff and strengthen our links with diverse communities. Our staff and students can connect with our flagship Tuākana, Women in Science, Parenting and Rainbow networks, and our Waipapa Marae.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through flexible employment practices and a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential. We offer a competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave, a company superannuation scheme, discounted car parking, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. For more information please visit Staff Benefits.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 13th September 2020 to be considered.

Please submit one combined PDF document containing the following items:

1. A cover letter (1-3 pages) which includes the strengths you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying, a brief overview of your key research achievements and plans and your teaching philosophy,
2. Your CV,
3. Contact details, including emails and phone numbers, of three academic referees,
4. Evidence of academic qualifications.

For any enquiries, please contact Professor Jo Putterill- j.putterill(at)auckland.ac.nz and Recruitment Consultant Shivani Parboo shivani.parboo(at)auckland.ac.nz

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy  to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for two weeks on arrival.  

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an off-shore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.

The anticipated start date for this position is February 2021.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz