Pūkenga/Pūkenga Matua | Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Terrestrial Vertebrate Biology

• Are you committed to excellence in research and teaching, with a passion for vertebrate biology, ecology, and conservation?
• Have you got a PhD in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, Wildlife Biology, or a related discipline?
• Do you have a developing or established record of high-quality research publications, and a clear vision for your research programme?

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.

Pūkenga Matua - Senior 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 ([email protected]).

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.