Description

• A rare opportunity to lead and teach within an internationally recognised occupational therapy programme, shaping contemporary research, education, and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Seeking senior occupational therapy academics with research leadership expertise and a genuine commitment to culturally grounded and socially accountable practices
• Utilise your passion and expertise for innovative technology
• Permanent, full-time role with great work/life balance based in beautiful Auckland

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 27,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Mori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. 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.

The Department of Occupational Science and Therapy sits within our School of Allied Health in the dynamic Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, a nationally recognised leader in culturally safe health education and practice innovation. The School delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, and postgraduate rehabilitation, and is grounded in Te Aronui - AUT’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi strategy - ensuring graduates are both clinically skilled and culturally responsive.

Within this context, the Department is a well-established, research-informed academic unit committed to advancing knowledge and practice in occupation, health and wellbeing. It is known for strong practice, community, and research partnerships across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, and for fostering innovation, inclusion, and equity through teaching, research and practice. With a supportive, collegial culture that values diversity and the integration of mtauranga Mori, the Department provides an exceptional environment for academic leadership, collaboration, and impactful research that improves health outcomes locally and globally.

To learn more about Health Sciences at AUT and our department, please click here: https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/health-sciences 

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We have a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) opportunity for a motivated Professor or Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy to take on research leadership responsibilities and elevate the department’s research profile to the next level. We are seeking a highly regarded scholar with the vision and capability to lead, grow, and strategically shape a dynamic research portfolio, building a strong, sustainable research culture that aligns with AUT’s aspirations for excellence and impact.

This role is predominantly research-focused, with a strong emphasis on building research capacity, mentoring staff, establishing high-performing teams and delivering impactful outputs that strengthen connections between community and research. With a values-driven approach to occupational therapy scholarship and a genuine commitment to equity and cultural responsiveness, the successful candidate will be a networked leader with a fresh perspective who can drive collaboration, foster capability, and advocate for consistency and quality in research and development. There is exciting potential to also extract research from an upcoming Masters of Occupational Therapy.

You’ll join an extremely collaborative and collegial department of approximately 15 staff (FTE) who are fantastic to work with and hold exceptional external relationships both within Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

Based in Auckland’s North Shore, this position also offers the flexibility and lifestyle benefits of one of the world’s most liveable cities, making it an exceptional opportunity to combine academic leadership with an outstanding quality of life.

Please review the candidate information handbook available for this role (includes details on the department, school, faculty, AUT, the position description and more). 

What we offer | Ng huatanga kei a mtou 

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your academic career. We offer:

• Clear, visible pathways to grow your academic profile and global impact
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contributions to teaching, research, citizenship and living our values
• Mentoring and support for research grants, sabbaticals and publication
• Access to our labs, databases and real-world research partnerships
• Mori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
• Professional development to keep you moving forward
• Free gym membership

How to apply | Me phea te tuku tono 

Along with your full academic CV (including a complete list of publications and grant acquisitions): please ensure to 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. 

Further Information: 

• Start Date: The successful candidate would join AUT no later than February 2027 (to be agreed).
• Term: The successful candidate will secure a permanent, full-time academic appointment.
• Salary: Aligned with the appropriate step in AUT's academic pay scales (Professor range: NZD $166,185 - $214,091; Associate Professor range: NZD $151,816 - $175,767)
• Enquiries: For academic enquiries, contact Dr Heleen Reid, Head of Department Occupational Science and Therapy – [email protected]. For recruitment enquiries, contact Mike Wood: AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - [email protected]. 

Closing date for applications: Sunday 12 July 2026 at 11.55pm

Requirements

About you | Ko wai koe

As an academic member of staff at AUT, you’ll blend teaching, research and engagement to create outcomes that have real impact on the world. You’ll work closely with students, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to projects alongside our industry and community partners.  With room to experiment, develop your skills and refine your practice, you’ll be supported to make impactful contributions to both learning and discovery.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural awareness and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

We welcome applications from senior occupational therapy academics with research leadership experience. The selection criteria sought are:

1. Qualification:

- A PhD in occupational therapy.
- Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand | Te Poari Whakaora Ngangahau o Aotearoa.
- Annual Practising Certificate (or eligibility for certification).

2. Research and Scholarship:

- Extensive experience leading and driving occupational therapy 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.

3. Teaching and Learning:

- Substantial undergraduate and postgraduate teaching experience in occupational therapy, 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.

4. Citizenship and Service:

- 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.