Associate Professor/Professor (NZCIS Industry Research Lead) - School of Sport, Exercise & Health (fixed term)

• A rare opportunity to lead an industry-research collaboration in sport, physical activity, wellbeing, and applied innovation.
• Work in a collegial, values-led and world class research environment in one of the world’s leading sports universities, ranked 23rd globally for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
• Part‑time (0.6 FTE) three-year fixed term appointment at Professorial level, with clear pathways for academic advancement, leadership and career development, based at NZCIS in Wellington.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together – and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world.

Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

AUT is ranked 23rd globally for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings. AUT researchers produce highly cited, globally impactful research that is enabled by strong industry partnerships, research that addresses real-world challenges, and delivers impact at a global scale. Our relationship with NZCIS will extend our reach and impact.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We have a three-year fixed term, part-time (22.5 hours per week) opportunity for a motivated Associate Professor/Professor to make significant impact and develop their career in teaching, research and service.

We’re open to expertise across areas relevant to sport, physical activity, and wellbeing, and are particularly interested in applicants with:

• Demonstrated capability in partnership and relationship management within research and innovation environments.
• Experience building and sustaining relationships across academia, industry, government, and the broader sector.
• Proven capability in supporting research translation, collaboration, and impact within multi-stakeholder environments.
• A commitment to advancing impact, relevance, and connectivity across the sport, physical activity, and wellbeing system.

You will have demonstrated leadership capability and show willingness to take up future substantial leadership roles as opportunities arise. Senior academics also provide mentorship to colleagues in both research and teaching.

We embrace practice-led, research-informed approaches to teaching for transformative student experiences that uplift communities. Your contributions to programme and course development will support our continuous-improvement focus. You will teach across programmes as assigned by the Head of School and be comfortable using digital resources to enhance learning. You will publish actively in your specialised field/s. Research at AUT is central to our mission, driving innovation, informing teaching and creating real-world impact for communities, industry and society. Over time, successful candidates are expected to seek and attract external research funding, engage with government, business, professional bodies and the community, and contribute to school/faculty activities.

Please see the position description available for more information.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll join a values-led university that supports you to thrive. We offer an excellent research environment with contestable research funds, and with guidance available from senior scholars. Benefit from flexible working, a supportive culture, cultural capability development for all staff, and strong growth opportunities – while advancing your impact through clear career pathways, recognition and research and teaching support. Learn more about our competitive benefits tailored to all staff.

About you | Ko wai koe

At AUT, academic staff combine teaching, research and engagement to create meaningful impact. You will work closely with students, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to projects with industry, community and academic partners.

We’re looking for academics with curiosity, energy and openness to new ideas, who are committed to collegiality, cultural humility and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Indigenous peoples and diverse communities. Experience contributing to Indigenous, equity or inclusion-focused initiatives is highly valued.

The selection criteria sought are:

• A doctoral qualification in sport, physical activity and wellbeing

• Extensive experience in sport, exercise and health research, with a strong publication record in top-tier journals
• Established international research networks and demonstrated potential or experience securing external research funding
• Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative research partnerships across academia and industry
• Editorial board membership and/or experience as an editor, guest editor or conference track chair

• Substantial undergraduate and postgraduate teaching experience in sport, exercise and health, including course and assessment design, delivery, and coordination
• Ability to engage with students in innovative and engaging ways
• Ability to contribute to curriculum innovation and the development of high-quality course content
• Ability to design and deliver innovative assessments
• Proven ability to attract and supervise postgraduate research students

• Experience supporting Indigenous, equity or inclusion-focused initiatives, with the capability to support the AUT’s Te Aronui Framework
• Demonstrated academic leadership and service – either internally or externally
• Experience engaging internationally with industry, government and community stakeholders to translate and apply research
• Proven ability to communicate research to non-academic audiences, including through media engagement

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your full academic CV (including a complete list of publications and grant acquisitions): please submit a) a cover letter which explains why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) a statement addressing how you feel you meet some, or all, of the criteria above.

Along with your full academic CV (including a complete list of publications, if applicable) please also submit:

• a cover letter explaining which specific role is of interest, why AUT and how your experience aligns with some, or all, of the selection criteria we're seeking above; please also submit:
• A research statement (1 page max)
• Evidence of satisfactory student evaluations and innovation in teaching (2 pages max).
• A nominated journal or conference article

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $151,000 - $214,000 per annum (appointment level and salary commensurate with skills and experience) - pro rata
• For academic enquiries: Contact Professor Katie Bruffy, Head of School, Sport, Exercise and Health Sign in to view email.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 9th August 2026, 11:55pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96188

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

JOB DETAILS

Reference #

96188

Location (s)

North Campus

Employment type (s)

Fixed term

Closes on

09 Aug 2026 23:55

Expertise

Associate Professor, Professor

Experience level (s)

Experienced (2 years +)

More details (document)

PD 10993 - Associate Prof_Prof - NZCIS Industry Research Lead.pdf

Posted on

24 Jul 2026