Senior Lecturer in International Relations

• Demonstrate expertise in a subfield of International Relations
• Bring specialist knowledge that complements our existing IR and Politics profile
• Enjoy a role with purpose, inspiring the next generation

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy is seeking a full-time Senior Lecturer in International Relations. We welcome applicants from any International Relations subfield, including (but not limited to) international security, international political economy, global governance, foreign policy analysis, gender and IR, international law, human rights, environmental politics, or regional and area-focused IR. The successful candidate will be able to deliver first-year foundational teaching in International Relations and offer specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses aligned with their research expertise. They will play an active role in enhancing the School's research culture, pursue an ambitious research agenda, and supervise research students at the honours, masters, and doctoral levels.

We are open to applications from any theoretical or methodological perspective - including traditional paradigms and critical approaches that valorise 'other' ways of knowing (such as Indigenous, non-Western, or feminist).

Salary will be in the range of $110,392 to $128,508 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Head of School, Justine Kingsbury - justine.kingsbury@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You will have a PhD in International Relations or a relevant discipline and offer a forward-looking research agenda. You will bring a passion for, and expertise in, International Relations, actively demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and understand how your research could enhance professional practice and community.

You will have experience teaching undergraduate papers, including the ability to lecture to large numbers and conduct small-group seminars and tutorials effectively. You communicate effectively through innovative teaching methods, materials, models and virtual techniques. In addition, you should demonstrate how your own research aligns with or extends the existing research strengths in the School.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

The Politics and International Relations Programme sits within the School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy. The programme offers majors in Political Science and International Relations. The School offers a range of papers at undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional training levels. Teaching occurs on the Hamilton and the Tauranga campuses of the University of Waikato.

The Political Science and International Relations Programme currently has an international reputation in the fields of foreign policy, geopolitics, environmental politics, gender politics, critical public policy, and political communication.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success. Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations, which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education, and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close on Saturday, 31 January 2026

Requisition number: 1003174

You will have a PhD in International Relations or a relevant discipline and offer a forward-looking research agenda. You will bring a passion for, and expertise in, International Relations, actively demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and understand how your research could enhance professional practice and community.

Please apply online by visiting our website below by clicking the Apply Now button:

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