Tumuaki | Head of School, Chemical and Physical Sciences

• Are you a dynamic academic leader who can engage in effective strategic planning and initiative development while also creating a collegial team environment?
• Have you demonstrated commitment to quality tertiary teaching, research and engagement?
• Do you have a PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Space Science, or another relevant discipline?

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. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Tumuaki - Head of School for Te Wānanga Matū - School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. The successful applicant will return to their substantive academic position upon completion of the three-year, fixed-term Tumuaki - Head of School role. If the successful applicant is an external candidate, they will also be appointed to a permanent academic position which they will take up upon completion of the three-year fixed term Tumuaki - Head of School role.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic academic leader with relevant disciplinary knowledge who can develop the strategic direction of the school as part of the Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao - Faculty of Science. The Tumuaki - Head of School will be an effective and supportive member of the Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao - Faculty of Science Leadership team and report to the Amo Pūtaiao - Dean of Science.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a large and energetic school that boasts international research excellence and teaching expertise within a world-leading university.

Importantly, the Te Wānanga Matū -School of Chemical and Physical Sciences has a strong commitment to equity and diversity, and specifically to bicultural practice in research and teaching consistent with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The successful applicant will have:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline.
• A demonstrated record of commitment to, and performance in, quality tertiary teaching, research and academic leadership.
• Sound knowledge of the University environment and education sector.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and bicultural practice in teaching, research and engagement.
• Ability to engage in effective strategic planning and initiative development.
• Experience in leading, managing and developing others, including group facilitation and mediation.
• Advocacy and promotion skills.
• Proven commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Evidence of ability to assist the University to meet its obligations under the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Evidence of effectively managing financial resources.

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

This is an exciting time to be part of an organisation dedicated to strengthening New Zealand’s position in the global knowledge economy. You will be able to use your leadership skills to tackle the challenges of the role and build on the legacy of the previous Tumuaki - Head of School. You will be part of designing our physical world and make a fundamental difference to the community. As Wellington is home to parliament, key government agencies and judicial courts, it provides exciting opportunities to develop research and professional partnerships with Government and NGOs.

There are many benefits to working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, including being part of New Zealand’s top research university.

Role description - Click here to see further information, including salary.

Close date for vacancy: 30 October 2024. 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.

Contact details for vacancy: f you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Nicola Nelson (nicola.nelson@vuw.ac.nz). But applicants should follow all steps listed below.

Important - application steps and information

Download and complete the University Application Form, (Tumuaki - Head of School, #1988)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.