Associate Professor in Applied Neuroscience

Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao| Faculty of Science

Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Continuing position, starting in January 2026.

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Pūkenga? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Professor to teach and conduct research in applied neuroscience.

The teaching load will comprise of under- and postgraduate courses across UC Psychology's innovative new Bachelor of Psychological Science programme and the Bachelor and Master of Speech and Language Pathology Programmes. The role will consist of the development and delivery of courses in these programmes, with a focus on applied neuroscience.

The role will also involve establishing an internationally recognised research programme in applied neuroscience and making service contributions to School, Faculty and/or University.

For information about the Bachelor of Psychological Science, please see here. Information about the Bachelor and Master of Speech and Language Pathology can be found here and here, respectively.

Mōu | Who You Are

A PhD in psychology, neuroscience or an aligned discipline is required.

To be considered you will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of, and experience in, delivering effective teaching methods that enable a wide range of learners to succeed.
• Provide evidence of reflective learning and continuous professional development.
• Demonstrate expertise in applied neuroscience, including brain imaging and communication disorders.
• Demonstrate expertise in curriculum design, development and delivery for both on-campus and distance delivery.
• Demonstrate an understanding of bicultural and multicultural issues in Aotearoa New Zealand's society, including a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi, and display a willingness to engage professionally with equity and diversity.
• Provide evidence of a strong research programme in applied neuroscience.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including students, faculty and other stakeholders.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing provides a collegial environment, and we are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi and upholding the inherent values, cultural practices and traditions including te reo Māori, tikanga, and kawa as guided by mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

For further details on the team and Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing can be found here: Psychology, Speech and Hearing

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora -- Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here.

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• professional development and study opportunities
• retail discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information on our Benefits, please visit

This role sits within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Academic Support Staff Collective Agreement and the following salary scale applies: Associate Professor. $155,592p.a. - $167,718p.a.

The closing date for this position is: 4 November 2025 (midnight NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:

• A cover letter (2-3 pages) which includes a statement outlining your vision for providing positive learning experiences for Psychology and Speech and Language Pathology students at UC in applied neuroscience, including evidence of teaching and research excellence. As bicultural competence and confidence are important learning outcomes for our graduates, we would like you to comment on your own experiences and plans for professional development, and how you can apply these skills benefit students and the University.
• A CV listing your education, teaching experience, research outputs, and service contributions.

We do not accept applications by email, however, we are happy to answer any queries at

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Associate Professor Catherine Theys:

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.