Pūkenga/Pūkenga Matua | Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Educational Psychology

• Do you have a PhD in Educational Psychology, or an applied field of Psychology?
• Have you got expertise in child and human learning and social and emotional development?
• Can you show awareness of culturally sustaining and appropriate practices in an applied psychology field?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Pūkenga - Lecturer or Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer in Educational Psychology for a permanent, full-time position.

The position is located within Te Whānau o Ako Pai - School of Education within Te Pukenga Wai - Faculty of Education, Health and Psychological Sciences at our Kelburn campus. Preferred start date is 01 March 2027.

Our team of Educational Psychologists and academics includes internationally recognised scholars with expertise in a range of areas related to the practice of Educational/School Psychology, including ADHD, Autism, Learning and Motivation, Educational Neuroscience, Human Development, and Mental Health. We have a nationally accredited programme for training Educational Psychologists at the Masters level and strong community connections, including a community-based early intervention centre. You would benefit from joining a collaborative and supportive team of scholars operating within the scientist-practitioner and evidence-based training models.

Key responsibilities:

• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses within the Educational Psychology programme, seek external research funding, and recruit and supervise Masters and PhD students in research topics related to their area of specialisation.
• Contribution to Hautūtanga/leadership to the profession, University, Faculty and School and engagement in scholarly and administrative services is also expected.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Key requirements:

• A completed PhD in Educational Psychology or an applied field of Psychology.
• Experience and expertise in child and human development, learning, and social and emotional development.
• Experience in and knowledge of culturally sustaining and appropriate practices in an applied psychology field. We welcome applications from people with expertise in mātauranga Māori and/or with expertise, knowledge and experience working with Māori and Pacific communities and tamariki and/or rangatahi.
• Ability to effectively engage, teach and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students from different backgrounds and provide evidence of a commitment to our obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Desirable:

• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
• Experience in and knowledge of qualitative and/or mixed methods research.

Role Descriptions: Click the below links to see further information, including salary details.

Pūkenga - Lecturer

Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer

If these links are not available, click 'apply' to view them on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 22 November 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Carmen Dalli, Head of School of Education (carmen.dalli@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 supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application.

Please note that 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.

About Company

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Join Te Pukenga Wai - Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences! We're a vibrant Faculty advancing human potential and wellbeing. Partnering with government, health, and education sectors, we shape policy and drive global impact. Embrace diversity, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute to a healthier, equitable world through pioneering research and transformative education.

Company

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here. Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.