Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, School of Earth and Environment

Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment
Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Science Faculty
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Continuing (permanent) position

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
The University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha invites applications for a full-time, continuing (permanent) academic position at the level of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in the School of Earth and Environment (SEE) with expertise in the area of environmental paleoclimate science.

In this role you will develop and deliver classroom and field teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and supervise Masters and PhD research students and foster collaboration within SEE and with national/international partners.

You will contribute to teaching in multiple subjects across SEE, including Geology, Environmental Science, Antarctic Studies, and Disaster Risk and Resilience.  You will also develop a strong, externally funded research programme.

This is an exciting opportunity to advance research and teaching in environmental and paleoclimate science.

Mōu | Who You Are
Applicants must hold a PhD in Geology, Earth Science, Climate Science, or a closely related discipline, with postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience preferred.

You will bring:

• Expertise with geospatial datasets, data assimilation, and the use of marine sediment and ice-core archives is highly desirable
• Experience in leading field programmes is an advantage
• A strong record of high-quality research outputs and external research funding
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring or supervising postgraduate students
• The appointee will demonstrate a background in supervising research students, an ability in collaborating with others within the school and the wider university, along with an interest in contributing to departmental, college, and university activities
• Proven leadership in collaborative research or academic programme delivery
• A national and/or international reputation in your discipline
• Familiarity with the U.S. College system is essential
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

If you are passionate about advancing environmental or paleoclimate systems science and ready to make a significant contribution to research and teaching, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the future of SEE.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment is dedicated to excellence in both research and teaching with collaborative links with research groups and industry throughout New Zealand and internationally.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - – Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference. 

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, this includes:

• relocation support
• five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• widely accessible sabbatical provision
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• University and Faculty scholarship support for post-graduate students
• a unique bequest funded endowment (Erskine Fund ) that supports an extensive visiting fellowship programme
• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• professional development and study opportunities
• 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 https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/

This role sits within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Support Staff Collective Agreement and the following salary scale applies for 2026: Lecturer $94,181 p.a. - $113,616 p.a.; Senior Lecturer $119,586 p.a. - $149,806 p.a.

The closing date for this position is: 19 April 2026 (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 which includes a 2–3-page statement outlining your research interests and goals and teaching philosophy (combined)
• a Resume which includes a list of relevant research publications (combined).

We do not accept applications by email, however, we are happy to answer any queries at WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

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