Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor - Structural Engineering - Structural Steel

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and is ranked 67th in the QS World University Rankings. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. The university 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.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Structural Engineering, specifically focusing on Structural Steel, to join the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Design. The position is funded by HERA (Heavy Engineering Research Association) and is a unique opportunity to lead innovative research and teaching in structural steel design, with a focus on digital technologies, sustainability, and industry collaboration.

As the HERA Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor, you will:

• Lead a research programme focused on structural steel systems and digital design technologies
• Collaborate with industry partners, including HERA, to deliver impactful research and professional training
• Be an active and collegial member of the department, contributing to a collaborative academic environment through teamwork in teaching, research, and service
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses aligned with structural steel design and emerging technologies and contribute to curriculum development
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research students
• Provide thought leadership and contribute to national and international efforts influencing policy and practice in structural steel design and construction
• Engage with industry, government, and technical societies to ensure relevance and application of research.
• Contribute to service roles within the Department, Faculty, and University.

This is a permanent, full-time, 40-hour-per-week contract. The salary range for this role is from NZ $126,863 – $165,808 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information, please view the position description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Faculty of Engineering and Design is a vibrant hub of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. With purpose-built facilities and strong industry connections, the faculty supports cutting-edge research and hands-on learning across engineering, architecture, urban planning, and design.

 The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offer BE (Honours) degrees accredited by Engineering NZ in both Civil and Structural specialisations, in addition to a wider range of postgraduate taught and research programmes. The department has state-of-the-art research laboratories, which include a purpose-built Structures Testing Laboratory in our Newmarket campus that is well equipped for materials, structural systems, and seismic testing.

We are New Zealand's top university for Civil and Structural Engineering and ranked 48th in the world by QS subject rankings.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be an academic with expertise in Structural Engineering, specifically structural steel.

You will also bring:

• A Batchelor of Engineering and PhD in Civil/Structural Engineering (or equivalent).
• An outstanding and internationally recognised research profile, evidenced by a sustained record of high-impact publications in top-tier journals and impact on engineering practice.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant, competitive external research funding.
• Proven excellence in teaching, including leadership in the design and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in structural steel.
• A strong record of postgraduate supervision, including the ability to attract and mentor high-quality doctoral research students.
• A track record of industry engagement, collaboration and implementation of research outcomes and a practical understanding of challenges and current initiatives in the sector nationally and/or internationally.
• Expertise in the design of structural steel components and systems across a range of structural types and loading conditions and, preferably, expertise in digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, digital design, and advanced manufacturing techniques for structural steel components and systems.
• A compelling and forward-looking vision for the future of structural steel education and research in a national and/or global context.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity in teaching, research, and service.
• Professional membership (e.g., CMEngNZ) or eligibility for membership is desirable.

Diversity is important to us. Growing, maintaining and promoting a diverse team is a key priority. The department is particularly interested in receiving applications from candidates that would complement our expertise and enhance the department’s gender and cultural diversity.

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 is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 3/08/2026 to be considered. As part of your application please submit a CV and Cover letter to include:

• Statement of Research Interests and Vision – max 500 words
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy – max 500 words

If you require any additional information relating to the position, then please reach out to Seósamh Costello ([email protected]). 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