Professor/Head of Department Public Health

• Unique opportunity to shape the future of public health in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and on the global stage
• Situated in the beautiful and culturally rich capital city of Wellington

We are currently seeking a visionary and strategic leader to become our new Head of Department and Professor for the Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington. In this role, you will be advancing the Department's commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and research for which it has become renowned.

The University of Otago's capital city campus offers a wide range of postgraduate qualifications in health sciences, as well as excellent undergraduate study opportunities in radiation therapy, medicine, and final year physiotherapy. We are proud to be Wellington's medical school, and of the role e play in making a difference to the health of New Zealanders and the world.

The role

This role will be instrumental in advancing our Department's reputation for high-quality education and research. The Head of Department will provide strong leadership within a collaborative environment, and will foster a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. They will uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and lead the Department in achieving the goals of the University's Māori and Pacific Strategic Frameworks.

As a successful leader in your field, as the Head of Department, you will further enhance our standing as a leading Public Health Department. You will address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented to a progressive Department, driving forward our research excellence and student success. Collaboration and external engagement are expected, and the Head of Department will ideally have a track record of meaningful engagement with other professions, local and international communities, government, business, and other key stakeholders.

This role is a key member of the Health Sciences Division, Wellington Campus Leadership team, contributing to the Division's strategy and the broader advancement of the goals set out in the University's strategic documents - Pae Tata and Vision 2040.

Skills and experience

To be considered for appointment, candidates will ideally have:

• Distinguished academic credentials with a strong record of research and teaching in public health
• Evidence of leadership in a university setting with the ability to enhance the academic and research reputation of a leading public health department
• Knowledge/awareness of values and key aspects of Te Ao Māori, and commitment to respect and uphold those values, guided by our Māori leadership, partners, and mana whenua in the Wellington region
• Proven ability to build meaningful relationships and drive external engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Strong academic management and leadership skills that foster an inclusive, collegial culture
• Experience of supervising postgraduate research theses.

While the University has a strong preference for making an appointment at the level of Professor, it is open to making an appointment to the level of Associate Professor if that rank is appropriate for the most suitable candidate.

Further details

This is a permanent, full-time position, located in Wellington.

The interview programme is scheduled to take place from 21 May to 23 May 2025. Please note in your cover letter whether you are available on these dates.

Applications quoting reference number 2500362 will close on Sunday, 30 March 2025.

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