Lecturer/Senior Lecturer - Plant-Microbe Interactions
University of Auckland, New Zealand | School of Biological Sciences
Campus: Auckland City Campus
Company Description
Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland
Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. It undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students study in our 10 schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers. We have an excellent library and computing facilities.
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.
Job Description
Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
We invite applications from scientists interested in Plant-Microbe interactions to join our team in the Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora | School of Biological Sciences for one position at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer level. The successful applicant will be expected to establish a competitive and innovative research programme to attract external research funding. This position will involve contributing to our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes, supervising postgraduate students, and developing inter-institutional research projects. Teaching may be required at international partner institutions, including in China, for a period of approximately one month at a time. The role includes contributing to service-related activities (University and community).
The anticipated start date for this position is mid-2026 or as soon as reasonably possible
For more information on the role, please view the Position Description
This is a full-time (40 hrs per week), permanent role
Remuneration for each position is listed below and will be experience dependent:
Lecturer $99,788 to $119,204
Senior Lecturer $126,863 to $131,181
He kōrero mōu | About you
We are looking for a person with a strong academic background investigating plant-microbe interactions with the ultimate goal of improving plant resilience, health and production. This could include investigating approaches to enhance plant responses to stress or pathogens, or improving beneficial plant-microbial interactions. Your focus may be on advancing the understanding of the fundamental biology of plants or plant-associated microorganisms, as well as the biotechnological applications of this knowledge to maintain and improve sustainable food production or to preserve the integrity of natural or managed ecosystems.
A PhD in a relevant discipline and a demonstrated history of research excellence, with peer-reviewed publications and impact, are necessary. Applicants at the lecturer level should demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching and supervision, as well as strong international links. Applicants at the Senior Lecturer level are expected to have demonstrated high-quality teaching and supervision abilities, along with strong international and community links, plus academic citizenship, service and evidence of growing leadership. Staff at the University of Auckland are expected to contribute to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in their work and enacting the principles outlined in Taumata Teitei, the University’s strategic plan.
You will need to be passionate about student development and willing to support and mentor our students at all levels. The main purpose of the role will be to: (i) teach and coordinate courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; (ii) undertake original research and secure external funding; (iii) to supervise research students towards Honours, Masters and Doctoral degrees; and (iv) to work collegially to participate in the organisation and activities of SBS. Communicating science, outreach and the application of research to address challenges to food or environmental security is expected.
We are seeking a person with the capacity to enhance and develop current research initiatives within SBS. The successful applicant will demonstrate synergy or complementarity with other research groups within SBS, to enhance the research output, teaching quality, and reputation of the University.
Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team
SBS is a large, lively, and interdisciplinary School delivering excellence in research and teaching, with well-developed research facilities, including controlled environment plant growth facilities, access to shared equipment centres (such as those for genomics and mass spectroscopy), and strong international and community links. We are in the heart of Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, a harbour-side city with rich cultural diversity, beaches, islands, iconic volcanoes, and lush forests. Auckland is consistently ranked in the top tier in global quality of life surveys.
SBS is home to the University of Auckland’s first and oldest Tuākana programme (established in 1991), which focuses on enhancing the academic learning success of Māori and Pacific students. We are committed to fostering a culture that encourages and supports staff in reaching their full potential within an inclusive and collaborative community of scholars. We welcome applications that will enhance the diversity of our staff and strengthen our links with diverse communities.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:
- Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
- Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
- A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.
For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, you do not need to tick every box to be considered. The University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates
Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 31st January 2026 to be considered. Shortlisting and interviews are scheduled to take place in early 2026.
The application must include:
- Cover Letter and CV, including a list of publications and preprints, a summary of teaching and service contributions, and the names of some people who can provide academic references.
Please reach out to Associate Professor David Goldstone (Head of School -Biological Sciences) via hod.biologicalsciences@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.
**Important Notice – Our Holiday Close-Down Period**
Our recruitment team will be on break from 22nd December 2025 to 5th January 2026. During this time, applications will be received as normal; however, they will not be actively reviewed or processed until we return.
We sincerely appreciate your interest in joining Waipapa Taumata Rau – The University of Auckland, and we wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season
Additional Information
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
