Pūkenga | Lecturer in Media and Communication - Wellington
Job Description
Do you have a PhD in Media Studies or Communication, or in a related field?
Have you got an established or emerging academic research agenda that you are keen to grow?
Are you ready to bring your knowledge and innovative teaching experience to a collaborative and dynamic school?
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Pūkenga - Lecturer in Media and Communication, to join Te Kura Kōmanawa - School of Arts and Media on a permanent, full-time basis. Available from 2026, this position is an exciting opportunity to be part of an expanding Media and Communication programme.
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington launched two new Communication degrees in 2020 - the Bachelor of Communication and the Master of Communication - these adding to its existing Bachelor’s and Postgraduate degrees in Media Studies. Enrolments in the Media and Communication programme, in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, have increased in recent years.
The successful candidate will have expertise to contribute to this programme's teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision. You will have a PhD in Media Studies or Communication, or in a related field. Applicants with expertise in Māori and/or Pasifika media or communication are encouraged to apply.
You will have a demonstrated commitment to and/or an existing track record of research in the Media Studies and/or Communication fields. The role includes designing and delivering courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level in addition to contributing to the research profile of the Media and Communication programme. You will be able to effectively engage and mentor students from different backgrounds and supervise student research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. You will demonstrate the ability to work collegially in a team, contribute effectively to the administration of this programme, and evidence an awareness of our obligations, as an academic staff and a wider university, to the Treaty of Waitangi.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
You will be a highly motivated individual who can take the initiative and can manage and perform a variety of concurrent academic, administrative and research tasks. You will be a forward-thinker who demonstrates a capacity for high quality and innovative teaching and research in your specialist field.
The ideal candidate will thrive in this role and possess the capacity to build and maintain positive relationships with staff, a passion for teaching and mentoring students at all levels of their university study, and a commitment to the forms of academic administration that can enhance the effectiveness of the work that staff perform and the related outcomes.
As a full-time scholar, you will be a meticulously organised self-starter who will show a capacity for positivity and productivity in the face of continuing research, teaching and administrative commitments. You will also have the ability to respond to changing needs and opportunities in these three key areas and the capacity to lead others.
Key requirements include the following:
A PhD in Media Studies or Communication or a related field
An existing record of published academic research and/or the capacity to conduct research and produce academic publications in Media and Communication
A record of successful experience in delivering and/or designing undergraduate courses and/or classes in Media and/or Communication
The capacity to provide academic mentoring and related pastoral care to diverse cohorts of undergraduate and postgraduate students
A commitment to building positive and supportive relationships with colleagues
The capacity to work as part of a team as well as having individual responsibilities
Role description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.
If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.
Close date for vacancy: Wednesday, 12 November 2025.
Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Associate Professor Trisha Dunleavy, (trisha.dunleavy@vuw.ac.nz).
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.
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.
Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team
Step into the dynamic world of Te Kura Tānga Kōrero Ingarihi, Kiriata, Whakaari, Pāpāho, Tāhuhu Kōrero Toi - School of English, Film, Theatre, Media and Communication, and Art History. Engage with top-ranked programs and pioneering research in literature, film, critical media studies, theatre, and art history. Collaborate with passionate experts on innovative projects and thrive in a vibrant, creative community where your contributions truly make a difference.
