Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Food Science

About the institution

Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, is New Zealand’s leading university and the Faculty of Science is the largest and one of the highest-ranked science faculties in the country. It sits within the global top tier for science faculties and brings together 10 departments and schools that span a wide range of modern scientific disciplines.

The University also supports a number of staff communities and networks, including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff networks, along with access to Waipapa Marae.

About the school

The Food Science programme is delivered through Te Kura Mātai Matū, the School of Chemical Sciences, which is the largest chemistry-related department in Aotearoa New Zealand. The School has more than 30 permanent academic staff and over 100 PhD students, along with a strong international research profile and high-quality research infrastructure. Alongside Food Science, the School also offers postgraduate study in Forensic Science, Green Chemical Science, and Wine Science, creating scope for collaborative research. Since 2018, the University of Auckland has been ranked first in New Zealand for Food Science and Technology in the Global Academic Subjects Ranking (Shanghai Ranking).

The opportunity

The School is looking to appoint a permanent academic staff member at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level in Food Science. The role is focused on research-informed teaching and research in food science, with particular emphasis on the core principles of food processing and the overlap between food safety, food processing, and food microbiology. Applicants whose research complements the School’s existing work and who can show how their research programme would operate in a New Zealand setting will be especially well considered.

This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. The successful candidate may also be asked to contribute to offshore teaching activities, which can include travel to other countries.

Salary

The salary will depend on the level of appointment, experience, and skills. Lecturer pay is between NZD 99,788 and NZD 119,204 per year, while Senior Lecturer pay is between NZD 126,863 and NZD 145,741 per year.

What we are looking for

The ideal applicant will hold a conferred PhD in Food Science or a closely related discipline.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

• Potential to be, or already being, a leading researcher in food science, with an independent research agenda, external grant funding, and strong collaborations across academia and industry.
• Potential to be, or already being, a strong teacher and supervisor who brings current advances in food science into their teaching, with a clear commitment to innovative teaching and high-quality supervision, especially in the area of food processing fundamentals.
• Interest and active involvement in activities beyond research and teaching, such as mentoring, student and colleague support, public outreach, industry engagement, and science communication.
• A collegial, collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to the smooth running of the Food Science programme and the wider School while remaining accessible to staff, research students, and undergraduates.
• A strong understanding of and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in a university environment.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online before 4 July 2026. Email applications will not be accepted.

Applicants need to provide:

• A short cover letter outlining interest in the role and addressing each selection criterion.
• A current CV with the names and contact details of at least three referees, preferably including a current or former supervisor or manager. Referees will only be contacted after prior approval.
• A separate statement covering a 5-year research vision, potential collaborations within the Food Science programme and the wider university, and plans for securing research funding support (1–2 pages).
• A separate statement explaining teaching and supervision philosophy (1–2 pages).

For further details, candidates can review the School webpage or contact the Head of School, Prof Duncan McGillivray, or the Director of the Food Science Programme, Prof Siew-Young Quek, with questions. Applications cannot be submitted by email.

Benefits and working environment

The University offers a strong working environment with significant computational, laboratory, and analytical facilities, plus a location in Auckland, one of the world’s most liveable cities.

• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options and flexible hours.
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 6.75%.
• Competitive pay and five weeks of annual leave.
• Career development opportunities.
• Discounted car parking.
• Generous parental leave support.
• Childcare support.
• Relocation assistance where needed.
• Discounts on selected internal and external services.

Equity and inclusion

The University is committed to its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to achieving equitable outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and fair environment. Support is available for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting needs, flexible work, and other personal circumstances.