Be part of an exciting new chapter in design at Waikato and help lead and shape our future-focused programmes.
• Help shape the future of transdisciplinary design
• Inspire students through innovative teaching and practice
• Join a growing team with opportunities to progress
Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
The University of Waikato is growing its Faculty of Design, and we are seeking talented academics and educators to join us in Senior Teaching Fellow, Lecturer or Senior Lecturer roles in Transdisciplinary Design.
These newly created roles offer an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of design at Waikato. You will contribute to a distinctive and expanding design programme that brings together creative practice, teaching and applied research to address complex social, environmental and technological challenges.
Working across and beyond traditional design disciplines, you will teach and collaborate in an environment that values innovation, interdisciplinarity and real-world impact. Depending on your experience and strengths, your role may focus on teaching excellence and student success, or combine teaching with research and postgraduate supervision.
You will also have opportunities to engage with industry, iwi and communities through partnerships that support meaningful design outcomes and contribute to our future-focused vision for design education. This is an exciting time to join the Faculty of Design as we continue to expand and build a distinctive design offering at Waikato.
The Senior Teaching Fellow is 0.4 FTE with the Lecturer and Senior Lecturer positions being full-time (37.5 hours a week), permanent roles based at our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton.
For more information on these roles please see the position description links – Senior Teaching Fellow, Lecturer or Senior Lecturer For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact Professor Ricardo Sosa (rsosa@waikato.ac.nz). All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
You will be an engaged and collaborative educator or academic with expertise in design and a passion for supporting students to thrive. You may bring strengths in teaching, research, professional practice or a combination of all three, alongside a commitment to design that connects disciplines, communities and ideas.
You will also bring:
A postgraduate qualification or PhD in a relevant discipline (or close to completion, where applicable)
Experience teaching in tertiary education or strong evidence of teaching capability
Broad knowledge across design theory, methods and practice
The ability to work across design disciplines and collaborate with others
A student-centred approach to teaching and curriculum development
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and engaging with Māori in ways that support positive outcomes
The ability to contribute to partnerships with industry, iwi, community or public sector organisations
For Lecturer and Senior Lecturer appointments, experience in research, publication and postgraduate supervision will be highly regarded. For Senior Teaching Fellow appointments, a strong focus on teaching excellence, curriculum development and student engagement will be key.
Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?
The Faculty of Design sits within Te Kura Toi – School of Arts, part of the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences.
We are building a distinctive approach to design education and research at Waikato—one that is future-focused, collaborative and responsive to real-world challenges. Our programmes bring together creative practice, research and community engagement to create meaningful impact across sectors and disciplines.
We are committed to academic excellence, student success and giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through our teaching, research and partnerships.
He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?
We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. 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 on Sunday June 28, 2026
Requisition number: 1003671
