Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Software Engineering

Te Kaupeka Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand 

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Continuing (permanent) position
• Generous annual leave provisions and professional development opportunities 

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Pūkenga / Pūkenga Matua? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

The Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering invites applications for multiple continuing (permanent) academic positions at the levels of Lecturer to Senior Lecturer.

We welcome applications from candidates in any area of Computer Science. This open call reflects an exciting period of growth for the Department, as we expand our teaching and research capacity to support new and evolving programmes in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and the applications of computer science across disciplines.

Joining us at this pivotal time offers a unique opportunity to help shape a future-focused Computer Science department that combines strong foundational teaching with innovative, impactful research. We are particularly interested in applicants who can contribute to our collaborative culture and who are enthusiastic about connecting their expertise to emerging technologies and societal needs.

As a member of our Department, you will:

• Contribute to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the development of innovative curricula.
• Establish and sustain an externally funded research programme.
• Supervise postgraduate research students.
• Engage collaboratively across disciplines within the University and with external partners, including industry and government.
• Contribute to leadership and service roles within the Department, Faculty, and University.

Mōu | Who You Are

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate the following:

• A PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field (applicants who have submitted their PhD for examination or are near completion may be considered).
• A strong record of research outputs, commensurate with career stage and discipline norms.
• A demonstrated ability to teach effectively using inclusive, innovative pedagogies.
• Evidence of collegiality, communication, and leadership skills, and a commitment to supporting an inclusive academic environment.
• A willingness to engage with industry and community partners to enhance impact and visibility.

Lecturer and Senior Lecturer positions are equivalent to Assistant and Associate Professor levels respectively in the US system. The level of appointment will depend on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage applications from individuals with a variety of research interests and specialisations. As part of our strategic growth plan, we welcome candidates with expertise in any area of Computer Science. 

If you are passionate about advancing the field of Computer Science and ready to make a significant contribution to research and teaching, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the future of computing education. 

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

Te Tari Pūhanga Pūmanawa Rorohiko | the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering is a vibrant, research-active, and forward-looking department within the Faculty of Engineering. We are dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and engagement, with strong links to industry and research institutions in New Zealand and internationally. 

For more information about our Department, please visit us here - Computer Science and Software Engineering department | UC 

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora -– Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.  

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

The University of Canterbury is a leading University in Aotearoa New Zealand, with over 18,000 students. We are located in Ōtautahi Christchurch - the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand with easy access to the Southern Alps and renowned skiing, hiking, fishing, whale watching, mountain biking and other outdoor destinations and facilities to support a work-life-balance lifestyle. 

What we offer

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment, this includes:

• relocation support
• five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• widely accessible sabbatical provision
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• University and Faculty scholarship support for post-graduate students
• a unique bequest funded endowment (Erskine Fund) that supports an extensive visiting fellowship programme
• flexible working arrangements / supportive working environment
• professional development and study opportunities
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information on our Benefits, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/  

This role sits within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Support Staff Collective Agreement and the following salary scale applies: Lecturer $94,181 - $113,616; Senior Lecturer $119,586 - $149,806.

The closing date for this position is: Sunday, 22 February 2026 (midnight NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:

1. A 1-page cover letter, a 1–2-page research statement outlining your research interests and goals,
   and a 1–2-page teaching philosophy statement (combined)
2. A Resume which includes a list of relevant research publications (combined).

Please note, only 2 documents can be uploaded in the application process. 

As part of the online application process, you will be asked to indicate which of the following general areas best describe your research interests (you may select up to three):

• Algorithms, Theory, and Foundations
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Computing Applications across Disciplines (e.g., health, environment, education)
• Computer Graphics, Vision, and Multimedia
• Cybersecurity and Privacy
• Data Science and Analytics
• Human–Computer Interaction and User Experience
• Networking, Distributed, and Cloud Systems
• Software Engineering and Systems
• Other (please specify). 

We do not accept applications by email; however, we are happy to answer any queries at WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz 

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Ben Adams, benjamin.adams@canterbury.ac.nz 

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand. 

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