Waipapa Taumata Rau – The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and is ranked 65th in the QS World University Rankings. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. The University creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching, and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific.
Te Whiwhinga mahi – The opportunity
We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Water Engineering to join the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Design.
In this role, you will undertake high-quality teaching, research, and service in water engineering, which may include topics such as hydraulics, hydrology, river engineering, and/or coastal engineering. You will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, supervise research students, and develop a strong research programme that attracts external funding and produces impactful publications.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering research-informed, industry-relevant teaching in water engineering.
- Designing and enhancing curricula to meet the needs of the profession and accreditation standards.
- Incorporating emerging technologies and sustainable practices into teaching and research.
- Supervising honours, masters, and doctoral students.
- Establishing and maintaining a high-impact research programme.
- Publishing in top journals, contributing to design standards and guidelines, and presenting at conferences.
- Engaging with industry, government, and technical societies to ensure relevance and application of research.
- Contributing to service roles within the Department, Faculty, and University.
This is a permanent, full-time position working 40 hours per week. The salary range for this role is from $99,788 – $158,904 NZD per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
For more information, please view the position description.
Mo to matou ropu – About the team
The Faculty of Engineering and Design is a vibrant hub of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. With purpose-built facilities and strong industry connections, the faculty supports cutting-edge research and hands-on learning across engineering, architecture, urban planning, and design.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers BE (Honours) degrees accredited by Engineering NZ in both Civil and Structural specialisations, in addition to a wide range of postgraduate taught and research programmes.
The department has state-of-the-art research laboratories, including the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at our Newmarket campus, which boasts excellent facilities for research in hydraulics, scour and sediment transport, river and coastal engineering. These include a newly commissioned wave flume, several flumes for recirculating water and sediment, and the capability to undertake bespoke physical model studies relevant to the water engineering industry.
Additionally, the Newmarket campus includes a purpose-built Structures Testing Laboratory, Geomechanics Laboratory, and Transportation Laboratory, providing a highly collaborative environment for cross-disciplinary research in civil engineering. We are New Zealand’s top university for Civil and Structural Engineering and ranked 48th in the world by QS subject rankings.
He korero mou – About you
You will be an academic with broad expertise in water engineering, specialising in hydraulics, hydrology, river and/or coastal engineering.
You will also bring:
- A PhD in Civil Engineering or equivalent (essential).
- An excellent research record, demonstrated by publications appropriate to appointment level.
- A track record of, or potential for, securing external research funding.
- Experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in topics related to water engineering.
- Supervision experience of Masters or PhD students (at higher appointment levels).
- Strong engagement with industry and practical understanding of challenges in the sector.
- A vision for the future of water engineering education and research.
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity in teaching, research, and service.
- Professional membership (e.g. CMEngNZ), or eligibility for membership, is desirable.
Diversity is important to us. Growing, maintaining, and promoting a diverse team is a key priority. The department is particularly interested in receiving applications from candidates who would complement our expertise and enhance the department’s gender and cultural diversity.
Nga ahuatanga kei a matou – What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:
- Flexible employment practices, including working from home and 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 other discounts on internal and external services.
For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.
Me pehea te tuku tono – How to apply
Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 8/06/2026 to be considered. As part of your application, please submit a CV and cover letter including:
- Statement of Research Interests and Vision – max 500 words
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy – max 500 words
Please reach out to Seosamh Costello at s.costello@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.
Additional Information
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 Maori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatapui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work, and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.
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 Maori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatapuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work, and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz.
