Senior Research Fellow

Multidisciplinary faculty

Global connections

Research excellence 

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Research Fellow to play a pivotal role in driving research excellence within our Faculty and across the University. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic academic to lead high-quality research, foster collaboration, and help shape the future of our research culture.

In This Role, You Will:

• Provide academic and research leadership that strengthens the Faculty’s profile nationally and internationally.
• Undertake impactful research, both independently and in collaboration with colleagues across the University and with external partners.
• Build and nurture partnerships with community, regional, national, and international stakeholders.
• Mentor and support emerging and established researchers, contributing to the development of a thriving and innovative research environment.

This position is ideal for a motivated researcher who thrives on collaboration, values academic excellence, and wants to make a meaningful contribution to both scholarship and society.

Salary will be in the range of $110,392 to $128,508 per year (pro-rata) based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a fixed-term, full-time role (37.5 hours a week), for 1 year based on available funding. This role will be based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Moana Waitoki, Professor, moana.waitoki@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 accomplished researcher with a PhD in a relevant discipline, bringing strong expertise in independent research, funding acquisition, and a proven record of publications. With experience working alongside Māori and diverse communities, you will have knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research, research ethics, and LGBTQI+ research. You will have a commitment to research that is inclusive, ethical, and impactful. Your background will reflect strong skills in both qualitative and quantitative methods, alongside a critical understanding of racism, gendered violence, and systemic inequities.

Equally important, you will be someone who thrives on collaboration and connection. You’ll demonstrate manaakitanga, whakawhanaungatanga, tika and pono in the way you engage with colleagues, students, and community partners. A strong communicator, with multiple language skills, you will build meaningful relationships across local and international research networks, mentor and support others, and bring a proactive, innovative approach to advancing research excellence. Your commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to fostering inclusive, equitable, and diverse research environments will be at the heart of everything you do.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao, the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies (FMIS) is a research- intensive Faculty overseeing numerous major external research grants. It offers three exciting undergraduate majors in Māori and Indigenous Studies, Te Reo Māori, and Pacific and Indigenous Studies under the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. It also offers full graduate and postgraduate Indigenous Studies programs, including Honours, Master of Arts and a Doctorate. 

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 Friday September 19, 2025

Requisition number: 1002880

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