Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor – Transdisciplinary Design

About the role

The University of Waikato is expanding its Faculty of Design and seeks an experienced academic to lead teaching, research and industry collaborations in transdisciplinary design. This senior appointment will help shape a bold new direction for design education and practice.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate courses in transdisciplinary design.
• Lead research initiatives that address complex social, environmental and technological challenges.
• Supervise postgraduate students across diverse methodologies.
• Build and maintain partnerships with industry, iwi, community and public‑sector organisations.
• Contribute to curriculum development and the establishment of new programmes across design, media, environmental planning and geography.

Required profile

• PhD in design or a closely related discipline.
• Strong record of teaching, curriculum development and postgraduate supervision.
• Established research profile with publications and active research activity.
• Demonstrated ability to work across design specialties and disciplinary boundaries.
• Experience building meaningful partnerships with industry, iwi, community or public‑sector bodies.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and positive Māori engagement.
• Excellent communication, leadership and relationship‑building skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Full‑time permanent position based at the Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton.
• Opportunity to shape a new faculty and influence design education nationally.
• Supportive academic environment with access to interdisciplinary research resources.