Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor in Sport Coaching

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding academic to contribute to teaching, research, and leadership within the Sport Development and Coaching major, as well as to broader interdisciplinary collaborations across the School of Sport and Human Movement.

The appointee will contribute to teaching and supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, lead and support research aligned with sport coaching, and engage in professional and community partnerships that enhance sport development across Aotearoa and beyond.

Depending on experience and qualifications, the position will be appointed at either Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor level.

The successful candidate will:

• Contribute to high-quality, research-informed teaching in sport coaching. A second discipline in areas such as sport psychology, sport sociology, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, athlete wellbeing, or leadership in sport would be advantageous.
• Maintain an active research profile, publishing in reputable journals, securing research funding, and mentoring postgraduate students.
• Provide academic leadership and mentorship to colleagues, supporting the growth of research and teaching excellence within the School.
• Build partnerships with sport organisations, community groups, and national bodies to support knowledge exchange and real-world impact.

This is a continuing, full-time role based at our Hamilton campus, with teaching and research activities that may extend to Tauranga. Salary will be in the range of $129,718 to $161,729 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. For more information on the role please see the position descriptions for Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor.

Who are you?

You will hold a PhD in Sport Coaching or a closely related discipline and bring a strong record of excellence in teaching, research, and supervision.

For appointment at Senior Lecturer level, you will demonstrate:

• Proven tertiary-level teaching experience in sport coaching or related areas.
• An established record of research publications and emerging success in research funding.
• A commitment to high-quality student engagement, curriculum development, and innovation in teaching methods.
• Ability to contribute to postgraduate supervision and interdisciplinary collaborations.

For appointment at Associate Professor level, you will demonstrate:

• A sustained record of research excellence and recognised contributions to the academic field at national and international levels.
• Leadership in curriculum design, academic mentorship, and the development of research teams.
• Success in attracting external research funding and leading postgraduate supervision.
• Evidence of significant academic or professional service and engagement with sport or community organisations.

Across both levels, you will be recognised for your ability to inspire students, foster collaboration, and integrate Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural safety, and inclusion into teaching, research, and leadership practice.

Who are we?

The Division of Health at the University of Waikato is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing outcomes across Aotearoa. Our programmes span Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Human Performance Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Sport Development and Coaching.

The School of Sport and Human Movement combines expertise in human performance, coaching, health, and wellbeing. Ranked among the top 100 in the world for sport, the School delivers innovative programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate levels and collaborates with national and international partners to advance sport science, coaching, and athlete development.

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