Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Te Whare Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science is the leading science faculty in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. We undertake world-class research across the physical, biological, and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students study across our ten schools and departments, learning from internationally recognised educators and researchers.

Our staff and students can connect with our flagship groups including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff network and our Waipapa Marae.

At Te Kura Mātai Ahupūngao | Department of Physics, we develop cutting-edge technologies in optics and photonics, explore the quantum physics of ultracold atoms and single photons, investigate the properties of nanomaterials and materials in extreme environments, discover planets around distant stars, work on understanding the Earth's changing climate, probe the interior of volcanoes, and explore the origin and contents of the Universe.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are currently looking for a Lecturer in Physics to take up a position in astrophysics and/or space technology.

This role will suit an outstanding scientist who will play a significant role in astrophysics and/or space technology research, strengthen national and international collaborations in the field, and contribute to the University's educational and research mission.

You will play a leading role in delivering strong research and teaching programmes in astrophysics and space technology that are well-integrated with the overall programmes within the Department of Physics, and in building and maintaining a productive, supportive, and equitable working and learning environment within the Department, Faculty and University.   

For more detailed information on the role, accountabilities, and requirements, please review this Position Description

This is a full-time (40 hrs per week) permanent role

The remuneration range is $99,788 - $112,730 per annum, dependent on skills and experience

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Department of Physics is home to New Zealand’s leading and largest programme in physics, with concentrations in geophysics and climate physics; fundamental physics and astrophysics; condensed and soft matter physics; and quantum optics and photonics.

Members of the Department work closely with scientists in related disciplines at the University and at other New Zealand institutions, including National Centres of Research Excellence (e.g. the Dodd-Walls Centre and the MacDiarmid Institute). The Department has a strong commitment to building a positive and supportive working and learning environment for researchers, students and staff.

The Department is seeking to strengthen its expertise in astronomy and space technology, including areas such as observational astronomy, time-domain astrophysics, gravitational microlensing and exoplanet detection, satellite observations and data assimilation, cosmology, and emerging space applications. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work has synergy with space-based instrumentation and hardware, which is a priority area for research and development support in New Zealand. The Department hosts several experimental research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, especially in fields related to optics and photonics, including atom optics. These facilities provide opportunities for research development in optical instrumentation, free-space optical and quantum communications, atmospheric and re-entry spectroscopy, plasma physics, and optical propagation. The Department has connections with, and principal investigator positions in, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Significant national high-performance computing resources are also available to University of Auckland researchers, supporting computationally intensive work in astrophysics, space systems, plasma physics, survey science, and mission modelling.

He kōrero mōu | About you

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in physics or a closely related subject and a strong track record as a researcher and educator in astrophysics and/or space technology.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Evidence of the ability to attract, support and supervise research students
• The potential to successfully attract external funding
• A demonstrable commitment to teaching and engagement with pedagogical innovation in physics
• The potential for academic leadership and a demonstrable commitment to building and maintaining an equitable and supportive working and learning environment.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

We offer an opportunity at New Zealand’s leading University that will have a positive impact on students' lives. We also offer:

• Five weeks’ annual leave per annum
• A generous and inclusive parental leave policy
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution
• Discounted parking and various leisure and recreation services
• A diverse and inclusive working environment

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 8th July 2026 to be considered.

Please provide a CV, a three-page research statement, a one-page teaching philosophy statement and a one-page statement on work undertaken for equity and inclusion in academia.

Please reach out to Professor Miro Erkintalo (Academic Head) via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz