Job Description

• Are you an experienced leader in climate change or adaptation science?
• Do you have a passion for inspiring the next generation of climate leaders?
• Can you lead interdisciplinary climate change research that addresses global and local challenges?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a permanent, full-time Associate Professor/Professor (Ahonuku/Ahorangi) in Climate Change Science and Policy to join the team in Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua - School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.

We seek applicants with a strong background in climate science, climate policy, climate change impacts, and/or climate mitigation and adaptation along with demonstrated experience in fostering and advancing interdisciplinary research focused on climate resilience and societal impact. 

The successful candidate will establish a vibrant, externally funded research programme that complements existing strengths and builds strong collaboration with researchers at VUW’s School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences (including the Antarctic Research Centre and the School of Government) and external partners. The candidate will provide strategic leadership to support the reestablishment of the Climate Change Research Institute.

The candidate will bring innovative perspectives and excellence to teaching climate-related topics across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, as well as to core courses in the Master of Climate Change Science and Policy. The candidate will have a proven track record of securing external research funding and a strong commitment to supervising postgraduate students.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to honouring Te Herenga Waka’s obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and be open to growing relationships with iwi. The candidate will have familiarity, or possess the desire to become familiar with, tikanga, mātauranga Māori and data sovereignty in relation to climate change and climate change responses.

Key responsibilities:

Impactful Research and Scholarship:

• Establish and lead a high-impact, interdisciplinary research programme in climate science, climate change impacts, and/or mitigation and adaptation, contributing to climate resilience and policy-relevant solutions.
• Secure and lead external research funding, including collaborative and interdisciplinary grants that support high-impact climate research and real-world outcomes.
• Produce high-impact scholarship and other research outputs.
• Attract and supervise postgraduate students.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive research culture that strengthens interdisciplinary connections across the School, Faculty, and University.
• Build and sustain research collaborations with national and international partners including public research organisations, government, industry, iwi and communities.

Commitment to Teaching and Learning:

• Deliver high-quality, research-led teaching that engages and inspires students.
• Develop and coordinate innovative undergraduate and postgraduate courses in climate science, climate change impacts and policy that will equip future climate leaders.
• Attract and supervise postgraduate students to successful and timely completion.

Leadership, Collaboration, and Service:

• Provide strategic academic and strategic leadership within the School, Faculty, University, including contributing to the reestablishment of the Climate Change Research Institute.
• Provide mentorship to postgraduate students and early career researchers, fostering excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Provide national and international thought leadership in climate change science, impacts, or adaptation.
• Build and sustain partnerships with public research institutions, government, iwi, industry, and national and international collaborators to advance climate change science and/or climate adaptation research and deliver real-world impact in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Represent the University in national and international professional forums and networks, and advisory or policy groups, enhancing institutional reputation and influence.
• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across research, teaching, and service activities, contributing to a supportive and collegial academic environment.

Additional Expectations:

• Demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including meaningful engagement with iwi and communities.
• Show familiarity with or willingness to engage with, and develop understanding of, tikanga and mātauranga Māori, including principles of data sovereignty.
• Contribute to an inclusive and supportive student experience and particularly for diverse and underrepresented groups.
• A PhD in Climate Science, Climate Change Adaptation, Atmospheric Science, or a closely related field.
• A strong track record of leading research programmes and securing external research funding.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and curriculum development, with a passion for engaging and inspiring undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• A strong record of high-quality scholarly publications and/or impactful professional practice.
• Evidence of research and/or teaching that addresses contemporary climate change challenges, particularly in impacts, adaptation, and societal resilience.
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including communities, iwi, government, and industry.
• Demonstrated experience and desire for disciplinary research and teaching and the ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
• A collaborative and collegial approach to working with academic, technical, and professional staff.

• Excellent communication, media and people skills, with the ability to translate research for different audiences.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You are an established academic in climate science, climate change impact and/or climate adaptation and policy, with a strong commitment to research excellence and high-quality, research-led teaching. You are student-focused and passionate about inspiring and training the next generation of climate leaders. You bring a track record of advancing impactful, interdisciplinary research, and a collaborative and collegial approach to working with colleagues, students, and external partners. You are an effective and engaging communicator, able to connect with academic, policy and public audiences.

s:

Ahonuku | Associate Professor in Climate Change Science and Policy - Click here to see further information, including salary details.

Ahorangi | Professor in Climate Change Science and Policy - Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 22 June 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Anne Gold, (anne.gold@vuw.ac.nz).

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. Please submit a cover letter, a one-page research statement, and a one-page teaching statement as part of your application for the position.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise