Job Description

• Are you fluent in New Zealand Sign Language?
• Have you got existing relationships within the New Zealand Deaf community?
• Can you communicate effectively through (written) English and NZSL via email and social media?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Kairuruku - Research Assistant to join the Deaf Studies Research Unit team on an 8-month fixed-term, part-time contract.

The role is 7.5 hours a week and flexible remote working arrangements can be negotiated.

Key responsibilities

• Provide support for the maintenance and expansion of the Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language and the NZSL Share website.
• Gather information about new signs.
• Assist with maintaining records and data in the NZSL Signbank database.
• Maintain the dictionary’s social media accounts.
• Provide administrative support for meetings and research projects.
• Liaises with the community to promote engagement with the NZSL Dictionary and NZSL Share, and to seek community feedback.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be a good communicator who can maintain excellent working relationships with team members and with Deaf and hearing stakeholders in the community. You will be well-organised and familiar with using Microsoft Office software.

Key requirements:

• Fluent in New Zealand Sign Language.
• Demonstrable knowledge of New Zealand Sign Language linguistics.
• Have existing relationships within the NZ Deaf community.
• Experience communicating with external stakeholders through (written) English and NZSL by email and social media apps.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

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

Close date for vacancy: 09 October 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Micky Vale (micky.vale@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.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

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.