Lecturer in Dance Studies

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, is Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent higher education institution and a comprehensive, research-intensive, and international university, as reflected in our global ranking – 85 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings and in the top 10 in the world in the THE University Impact Rankings 2021.

The School of Creative Arts is part of Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, and sits within the Faculty of Arts and Education, one of the university’s six faculties. It is a leading centre for creative research, cultural enquiry, and education, offering programmes in Fine Arts, Music, and Dance Studies to over 800 students enrolled across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 

Join Dance Studies | Ngā Akoranga Kanikani at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, a programme with a longstanding national and international reputation for developing influential dance artists, educators, researchers, and creative leaders.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking to appoint a fixed term, full-time Lecturer in Dance Studies for the opportunity to contribute to the teaching of Dance across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, supporting student learning through innovative studio-based, creative, and academic teaching. We are seeking an educator and practitioner who can contribute to collaborative, interdisciplinary, intercultural, and community-engaged approaches to dance, with expertise in areas such as dance education, choreography, performance, creative practice, and contemporary dance scholarship.

You'll join a vibrant academic community committed to inclusive and student-centred learning, with opportunities to supervise postgraduate research, contribute to curriculum development, and foster meaningful connections between dance practice, research, and wider communities. We particularly welcome approaches that engage with the unique cultural contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, and that demonstrate an understanding of Māori and Pacific knowledges, pedagogies, and creative practices.

Alongside teaching, you'll have the opportunity to develop your research and creative practice profile, contributing to a programme that values innovation, collaboration, and the transformative impact of Dance in Aotearoa and beyond. As part of our collegial and connected academic environment, you will help shape the future of dance education while building strong relationships across the creative sector, community organisations, and professional dance networks locally, nationally, and internationally.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description.

This is a Full-time, 2 year fixed-term role (40 Hours Per Week).

The salary range for this role is $99,788 - $119,204 depending on skills and experience.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will hold a doctoral qualification (PhD) in Dance Studies or a related field and bring professional, tertiary teaching, research and/or creative practice experience. As a passionate and collaborative dance educator, practitioner and/or researcher, you will have expertise in areas such as contemporary dance, choreography, performance, dance education, creative practice, and/or community dance. You are committed to student success and create inclusive, relational learning environments that prioritise wellbeing, foster participation, and respect diverse knowledge traditions and ways of learning.

You demonstrate cultural capability and a commitment to culturally responsive teaching and creative practice, including an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to engage respectfully with te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, Pacific knowledges, and diverse cultural perspectives. Whether your expertise is in teaching, research, creative practice, or community engagement, you bring a collaborative approach, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to build meaningful relationships across academic, creative, educational, and community contexts. You are excited by the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant Dance Studies programme and help shape the next generation of dance artists, educators, researchers, and leaders.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Dance Studies | Ngā Akoranga Kanikani is a dynamic and highly regarded programme within the School of Creative Arts at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland. Our team of educators, researchers, and creative practitioners is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, fostering an environment where students can thrive as artists, educators, and critical thinkers.

Grounded in the cultural contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, we value collaboration, creativity, and meaningful connections with the wider dance sector, community organisations, and creative partners both nationally and internationally.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities – including #1 in The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2021 ranking.

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 a number of 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 16 November 2026 to be considered. In your application, please include the following:

• Your CV;
• A cover letter that includes an explanation of how your experience and skills align with the expectations listed in the Position Description

 Start date ideally will be by 4 January 2027; this date is open to negotiation with the hiring manager.

Please contact Jim Speers if you would like to have a confidential conversation about the role. Please note that we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email.

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Additional Information

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

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