Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Sciences

DIVISION OF SCIENCES - TE ROHE A AHIKĀROA

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago/Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka invites applications for the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sciences.

The Division of Sciences has research and teaching strengths in the fundamental and applied sciences, in human performance and health, and in environmental sciences. It offers several disciplines unique to Otago and hosts a number of nationally and internationally acclaimed research centres.

Today the Division of Sciences is internationally recognised for excellence in all of its activities, with a strong emphasis on research and research-led teaching that is grounded in our location and the collective skills of our people.

The role

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sciences reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and is the Division's senior academic and executive leader. The role has overall responsibility for implementing University-wide policy at the Divisional level and ensuring that the Division has a clear strategic direction that aligns with the University’s Vision 2040 and strategic plan to 2030, Pae Tata.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sciences will also be actively involved in working with government, developing relationships and strategic collaboration with other academic and research institutions and the business community within New Zealand and internationally.

Some of the key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Developing and implementing a clear strategic vision for the Division that aligns with Pae Tata, and upholds the University’s culture and values.
• Ensuring support for research activities within the Division and more widely.
• Preparing and managing the budget.
• Allocating and managing resources to achieve the Division's objectives.
• Ensuring that all Deans and Heads of Department allocate and manage their resources to achieve the objectives of their Department, Faculty or School and contribute appropriately to the Division's objectives.

Your skills and experience

To be considered for appointment to this position, candidates will have:

• A distinguished and sustained record of teaching, research and scholarship.
• Demonstrated strong academic management and leadership skills in a research-intensive university.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching, research and our educational programmes.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sciences, will be based in Dunedin, New Zealand. The successful candidate will possess outstanding interpersonal skills and will be expected to work collegially across the University and with external stakeholders, particularly in the wider science community.

Further details

This is a full-time (1 FTE), fixed-term position for five years.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information, please contact the Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson, via the email address below.

Candidates are requested to submit the following:

• A CV
• Brief cover letter / statement of your motivation, suitability and your vision for the Division of Sciences
• Names and email addresses of three referees

The interview programme for this role is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 2 December to Thursday, 4 December 2025. Please note in your cover letter whether you are available on these dates.

To submit your application please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2501464 will close on Sunday, 16 November 2025.

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