Domain Lead

• Are you a leader in health equity, public health, Māori or Pacific health, or medical education, who thrives on shaping curriculum that reflects real-world communities, equity, contemporary health challenges, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
• This is a unique opportunity to join the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM) at the University of Waikato and lead the design and delivery of the Health Advocate domain in Aotearoa New Zealand's newest medical programme.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As Domain Lead – Health Advocate, you will be responsible for academic leadership of all curriculum content connected to determinants of health, health equity, Māori and Pacific health, sustainability, community partnership, and health advocacy.

You will ensure that the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Domain 3 – Health Advocate outcomes are thoroughly embedded, vertically integrated, and accreditation-ready across the entire medical curriculum.

You will work closely with other Domain Leads, the Programme Director – Medicine, the NZGSM leadership team, educational specialists, and community partners to build a coherent, culturally grounded and socially accountable curriculum.

This is a 2-year fixed-term role based at our Hamilton campus, with the potential to influence health workforce development nationally. Salary and benefits are competitive, and based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. For more information about the role, please see the position description. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted. 

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will bring deep expertise in health equity, public health, Hauora Māori, Pacific health, or a closely related field, supported by a qualification in medicine, public health, or another relevant health discipline.

You are skilled in curriculum design, systems thinking, cross-disciplinary integration, and engaging meaningfully with Māori and Pacific communities. You will demonstrate:

• Strong experience in curriculum leadership, policy, or accreditation.
• Deep understanding of determinants of health, Te Tiriti obligations, inequities, and culturally grounded health models.
• Ability to integrate complex social, cultural, environmental, systemic and community factors into curriculum frameworks.
• Experience collaborating with iwi, Māori health providers, Pacific health organisations, and community groups.
• A commitment to equity, social justice, and community partnership as core foundations of medical education.

Preferred candidates will understand case-based learning methodologies and be experienced working with Māori or Pacific health providers and underserved communities.

You will be an inclusive, reflective leader who communicates with empathy, clarity, and integrity.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Division of Health is committed to advancing equitable, culturally grounded, and innovative health education across Aotearoa. With programmes spanning Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Human Performance Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Sport Development and Coaching, the Division is preparing to welcome the inaugural cohort of medical students in 2028.

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will be Aotearoa's newest medical school—designed around community partnership, equity, cultural safety, and a future-focused, digital-first approach to medical education.

Our work is guided by:

• Partnership with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Authentic inclusion of Māori and Pacific health priorities
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and social accountability
• Creative and innovative approaches to learning, teaching, and health advocacy

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

This is a career-defining opportunity to influence medical education at a national scale. You will shape the way future doctors understand equity, determinants of health, systems thinking, and advocacy—ensuring they are prepared to serve diverse communities throughout Aotearoa.

At the University of Waikato, we value integrity, creativity, diversity, and our enduring partnership with Māori. We are committed to a workplace that is inclusive and mana-enhancing, and we welcome applications from candidates with the skills, authority, and vision to help us achieve our goals. Working with us means you'll 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 NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here. 

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that 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: January 25, 2026

Requisition number: 1003223