Research Fellow - Auckland History Initiative

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.1bn, including research revenue of over $200m generated across six diverse faculties and three research institutes. With over 6,000 staff and over 40,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant and complex entities and one of NZ’s largest employers.

Situated within Te Pūtahi Mātauranga/The Faculty of Arts and Education, Te Puna Aronui The School of Humanities—comprising the disciplines of Art History, Asian Studies and Asian Languages, Classical Studies and Ancient History, English and Drama, European Studies, European Literature and Languages, History, Philosophy, Media and Screen Studies, Museums and Cultural Heritage, and Theological and Religious Studies—constitutes the largest concentrated unit of Humanities scholars in the nation.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We wish to appoint a part-time, fixed-term Research Fellow to the Auckland History Initiative (AHI). The purpose of the fellowship is to facilitate the AHI’s ongoing activities in the research, dissemination, and teaching of the history of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

The starting date is 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This is a part-time (8 hours per week), fixed-term position (12 months).

The remuneration for this role is in the range at Research Fellow Level 1 ($97,831 to $99,788), pro-rated.

He kōrero mōu | About you

The successful candidate will:

• Work with the current AHI team on the Summer Scholarship programme, 2026-27, and become familiar with the goals of the AHI to foster new research among young scholars alongside its partners in the GLAMR sector in Auckland.
• Manage and further develop the AHI website and the AHI’s social media presence.
• Engage with the secondary school sector with the goal of forwarding the AHI’s work on connecting to schools and building teaching resources on Auckland history.
• Become familiar with research and teaching on Auckland history conducted across the University of Auckland, such as in Science and Architecture, with a view to further collaboration with colleagues from other faculties for research purposes.
• Engage with the business sector of Auckland and voluntary organisations etc. and to assess their private archives to explore new research topics on Auckland history, with a view to graduate commissioned research.
• Supervise any graduate commissioned research which eventuates from the above.
• Continue to build relationships with our current and potential external funders to build more resources on Auckland history.
• Explore any other ways to further the goals and profile of the AHI.
• Periodically report to the AHI Advisory Committee.

The ideal candidate will have a recent PhD in Aotearoa NZ history or will be soon to complete one. They will have expertise and experience in historical research on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, good familiarity with local archives and historical sites, and the interpersonal skills necessary to assist the Summer Scholars and facilitate the maintenance and development of the AHI’s external relationships. In the University we want to reflect the diversity of our city and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

For more information about this role, please refer to the position description. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 20 November 2026 to be considered. In your application, please include a letter of application, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two academic referees.

Applications by email will not be accepted. Enquiries about this position should be directed to the Head of the School of Humanities, Professor Kim Phillips, [email protected].

#LI-DNI

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