Academic Appointment in Industrial Design

About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a new academic staff member in Industrial Design to join the exciting, new Wellington Institute of Zhengzhou University joint educational partnership in Zhengzhou, China, on a permanent, full-time basis. 

The level of appointment, either Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Associate Professor, will depend on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Teaching is to be conducted in English. As this is an international programme, we welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from New Zealand and overseas.

Key responsibilities:

• Academically rigorous teaching across undergraduate level.
• Postgraduate supervision.
• Contribution to the collegial development of the programme, School, and Faculty.
• On-going research activity appropriate for career stage.
• Engagement with industry or the design professions.
• Senior appointments may be asked to contribute to programme leadership.

About you

You will be passionate about teaching industrial design in a contemporary international context to a diverse range of Chinese students and have expertise in teaching and research focused on emerging technologies, their underlying theory, and their role in developing industrial design, industry, and human futures.

Candidates will be expected to show leadership and collegiality in developing academic programmes.

Key requirements:

• A completed PhD, or at least a Master’s degree, in Industrial Design alongside industry experience.
• Evidence of impact-oriented design research.
• Demonstrated evidence of a high standard of teaching and leadership in a relevant field at tertiary level.
• Ability to work with students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Experience in supervising student research at Honours, Master’s, and/or PhD level.
• An online portfolio demonstrating Industrial Design practice, teaching and research.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as well as excellent interpersonal skills.

Why you should join our team

Take this exciting opportunity to join us in developing and expanding this new joint educational institute, the Wellington Institute of Zhengzhou University, where the creative powerhouses of Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington and Zhengzhou University unite. You’ll help shape a pioneering curriculum, mentor the next generation of visionary designers, and contribute to a vibrant academic community that thrives on creativity and cross-cultural exchange. Engage with dynamic projects, harness cutting-edge technology, and join a community where your educational and research visions become impactful realities. 

Pūkenga - Lecturer

Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer

Ahonuku - Associate Professor

Click the above links to see further information, including salary details. If these links are not available, click 'apply' to view them on the University careers page. 

Close date for vacancy: 30 October 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Leon Gurevitch, Head of School, School of Design Innovation (leon.gurevitch@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit their resume, cover letter, portfolio of creative works and teaching outputs, academic transcript, a teaching statement, a research statement, and a model syllabus.

Applicants must be eligible to work in China. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

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