Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland 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.
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top-ranked university, supported by over 6,000 academic and professional staff dedicated to the success of more than 46,000 students. Proudly ranked 65th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 12th globally in the 2023 THE University Impact Rankings, we are one of the country’s largest and most impactful employers.
The Centre for Arts and Social Transformation (CAST) was established as the result of a generous gift from the Chartwell Trust in 2019. The Centre researches how the arts have the potential to make a more socially just and equitable world through improving the quality of life of all citizens.
Job Description
Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
The Centre for Arts and Social Transformation is delighted to welcome a Postdoctoral Fellow to join our academic team. In this role, you will work alongside a fantastic and dedicated team to undertake research tasks within the Centre and collaborate on projects focused on equity, community wellbeing, education, and social transformation.
Core aspects of this role include:
- Conducting arts-based research on wellbeing, health, education and social transformation, and contributing to academic & aesthetic publications.
- Maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, funders and community groups.
- Furthering your own research interests on potential for social transformation through the arts.
- Seeking philanthropic and contract grants for projects that align with the Centre’s goals and vision.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), 2-year fixed term position with the start date of 1st of October 2025.
We are also open to the possibility of hiring two part-time researchers. There may be the opportunity to extend this position beyond 2 years, depending on factors such as project timing and funding.
This position is a Postdoctoral Fellow Level 1, with a remuneration of $90,405 per annum.
For more detailed information on this role, please refer to the Position Description.
Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team
CAST is an outwards focused Centre that builds relationships with educators, artists, activists, policy makers and communities to research the power of the arts for social transformation.
The Centre hosts the Creative School Index, Te Rito Toi, Arts Beyond Borders and The Artist*Academics. The Centre is a member of the International Teaching Artist Collaborative (ITAC).
He kōrero mōu | About you
Our ideal candidate will bring integrity, professionalism, adaptability, and courage to this role. You will demonstrate emotional intelligence by accurately perceiving and interpreting your own and others’ emotions and behaviours in context, enabling effective relationship management.
You will also:
- Hold a Doctoral degree (PhD) in a related field.
- Have experience working with arts-based research methods and skilled in qualitative analysis.
- Possess knowledge of research in equity, inclusivity or education.
- Have experience communicating complex analyses to stakeholders in ways that inform and drive development.
- Thrive in a collaborative team environment, actively contributing to the Centre’s overarching goals.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:
- Flexible employment practices (including working from home, 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 several other discounts on internal and external services.
For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.
Qualifications
- A Doctoral degree (PhD) in a related field.
Additional Information
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 27th of August 2025 (NZST) to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.
Please reach out to Tahnee Vo (Centre Manager) via email tahnee.vo@auckland.ac.nz. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.
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 Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz