Senior Lecturer in Pacific Health

• Champion Pacific health, lead transformative teaching, and shape the future of equity-focused health education in Aotearoa.
• Are you a Pacific health academic with strong community relationships, a commitment to equity, and a passion for student success?

• This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of Pacific health scholarship and culturally grounded teaching within the School of Health Equity and Innovation at the University of Waikato.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As Senior Lecturer in Pacific Health, you will play a central role in advancing Pacific health teaching, research, and community engagement across the Division of Health.

You will teach Pacific health content across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, contribute to curriculum development—including for the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM)—and supervise Honours, Masters, and where appropriate, PhD students.

You will lead and contribute to research that strengthens Pacific health outcomes, builds knowledge grounded in Pacific worldviews, and enhances the national and international profile of Pacific health scholarship. A core part of this role is deep engagement with Pacific communities, health providers, and leadership groups to ensure programmes and research reflect the aspirations, cultural values, and needs of Pacific peoples.

This is a continuing, full-time position, based at our Hamilton campus. Salary will be in the range of $ 110,392 to $ 144,817 per year 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. 

We invite applications from candidates at Lecturer and Associate Professor levels and would be delighted to discuss the opportunities available within our team. Applicants are kindly asked to clearly state their preferred level in their covering letter.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will hold a PhD in Pacific Health or a related discipline and have an established track record of tertiary-level teaching and research.

You are recognised for your ability to integrate Pacific knowledge systems, cultural values, and community-informed approaches into both teaching and scholarly work. You bring experience in student supervision and a strong commitment to supporting Pacific student success at all levels.

You will have:

• A proven record of research outputs and scholarly publications.
• A research profile grounded in Pacific worldviews, communities, and health models.
• Demonstrated capability in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including lectures, seminars, and small-group teaching.
• Ability to supervise Honours, Masters, and potentially PhD students.
• Experience with innovative teaching methodologies, including online delivery and team teaching.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to relate sensitively and effectively with students, colleagues, and Pacific communities.

Preferred candidates will bring close engagement with Pacific communities, cultural leadership, and experience contributing to Pacific health initiatives and networks.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Division of Health at the University of Waikato is committed to addressing health inequities and advancing outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities. Our programmes span Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Human Performance Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Sport Development and Coaching.

The School of Health Equity and Innovation leads scholarship in Māori and Pacific health, cultural safety, and social justice. The School prepares graduates who can work confidently in culturally diverse communities and who are equipped to lead equity-focused health system transformation.

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

This is a career-defining opportunity to influence the future of Pacific health education, research, and community partnership in Aotearoa. You will be part of a supportive team committed to equity, innovation, and transformative change in the health sector.

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.

Our rankings reflect these strengths. 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 18, 2026

Requisition number: 1003214