Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Teaching) in Chemistry

• Do you have a passion for implementing research-informed Chemistry teaching practices?
• Have you completed a PhD in Chemistry or a related field and have an excellent teaching record?
• Can you effectively engage and mentor students from different backgrounds and demonstrate the ability to work collegially in a team?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. As Aotearoa New Zealand’s globally ranked capital city, this iho draws from our long heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Pūkenga - Lecturer/Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer in Chemistry (Teaching), on a permanent, full-time contract in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. The School teaches programmes in Physics, Chemistry, and Space Science, and staff conduct internationally recognised research across these areas. The School of Chemical and Physical Scientists holds a commitment to research and teaching that engages mātauranga Māori and the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The position is a full academic role on the Teaching-Intensive Academic Career Pathway, which is for staff whose career specialisation is in learning and teaching. This position will commence as soon as possible. The successful candidate will have relevant academic qualifications and training in Chemistry. Specific duties will include the following:

• Deliver excellent teaching in courses in Chemistry from 100-300 level, including lecture-based and laboratory-based classes, with the possibility of contributing to 400-level teaching.
• Play a leading role in the overall Chemistry programme development by implementing new teaching practices and strategies informed by the latest in Chemistry education research and disseminate knowledge of Chemistry education research to the rest of the Chemistry staff.
• Contribute to the strategic goals of the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, including improving student recruitment and retention.
• Engage in and lead outreach events for potential students, their teachers, and the public.
• Contribute to strategies to improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented student groups, including Māori.
• Contribute to Hautūtanga/leadership within the profession, University, Faculty, and School and engage in scholarly and administrative services.
• Work with technical staff members in the School to ensure safe and stimulating laboratory class delivery.
• With agreement of the Head of School the successful candidate may have the opportunity to undertake Chemistry education research to support the teaching goals of the School. Undertaking such research will not be an obligatory part of this role.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The successful candidate will have completed a PhD in Chemistry or a related field and have experience and specialisation in Chemistry teaching. The ideal candidate will have the following attributes and experience, with the expected level of experience greater for a Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer appointment:

• Excellent teaching skills with a deep subject knowledge of Chemistry.
• Knowledge of and understanding of the latest literature on Chemistry education research.
• Experience and enthusiasm for material and course development, and the ability to lead curriculum changes.
• Experience in and knowledge of culturally responsive and appropriate practices in Chemistry education. In particular, we welcome applications from people with expertise in mātauranga Māori and/or with expertise, knowledge and experience working with Māori and Pacific communities.
• Excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work closely and collegially with other academic, technical, and administrative staff members to achieve the teaching goals of the School.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Our team in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences consists of internationally recognised scholars with expertise in a range of areas related to physics, chemistry, and space science, supported by outstanding administrative and technical staff. We have strong connections to other schools within the Faculty of Science, and to our relevant secondary school teaching colleagues. You will benefit from joining a collaborative and supportive team of scholars operating committed to outstanding teaching and research.

Role Description - Pūkenga | Lecturer (Teaching) in Chemistry

Role Description - Pūkenga Matua | Senior Lecturer (Teaching) in Chemistry

Close Date for Vacancy: 28 April 2024. We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date.

Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Associate Professor Ben Ruck, Head of School of the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences (ben.ruck@vuw.ac.nz). But applicants should follow all steps listed below.

Important - Application Steps and information

Download and complete the University Application Form, please include the position title and reference number (Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Teaching) in Chemistry, 1165).

Then, please combine your cover letter, CV and the University Application Form into a single file (preferably in pdf format). Click Apply and follow the process to enter your contact details and attach your combined file (CV, cover letter and the University application form) using the "CV/Resume" button.

If you are unable to combine your documents or have further supporting documents, please email these to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.