A Senior Lectureship in
Interdisciplinary Climate Change Research,
Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
The New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute (CCRI), at the Victoria University of Wellington, needs to fill a Senior Lecturer position with a well qualified expert who will lead our research on adaptation to climate change. This position will involve: making major contributions to a current research programme on adaptation, vulnerability and resilience to climate change; developing new collaborative research strategies to extend that programme further; and playing a key role in developing broader post-graduate education into this increasingly important field.
The CCRI has been established to develop interdisciplinary climate change research and also to act at the boundary between research and policy. This involves facilitating discussion and analysis of climate change issues; coordinating new research with an emphasis on linking the social and natural sciences; and developing a new strategic approach to university education in this field. The CCRI works alongside a School of Geological, Environmental and Earth Studies as well as an Institute of Policy Studies. We have growing links to the social sciences, which are becoming very important when considering climate change issues. Our research also involves interactions with other universities, Crown Research Institutes in New Zealand, and local and central government. In addition we are developing better public understanding of the issues through constructive liaison with the media.
The CCRI is a small institute which places significant responsibilities on the person taking up this position. However, our approach is based on developing very interactive collaborations with both New Zealand and overseas experts. The development of tertiary education in this area is also of rapidly growing importance and that is now intended to develop more linkages with other countries throughout the Pacific, Asia and more broadly.
This position will be formally advertised in January but it needs to be filled quickly. Therefore we now welcome enquiries and further discussion with those who may be interested in the position. The closing date for applications is expected to be the end of January or mid February.
Please pass this on to anyone who may be interested in the position. For further information email either:
Martin.Manning@vuw.ac.nz or
Peter.Barrett@vuw.ac.nz .
Regards
Martin and Peter
Role Description
Position Title: Senior Lecturer, three-year contract
Position Location: NZ Climate Change Research Institute
Anticipated start date is to be after March 2011
Purpose of the Institute
The role of the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute (CCRI) is to develop inter-disciplinary research on climate change issues, and to act as a ‘boundary organization’ at the interface between research and policy. The three main areas in which the CCRI is operating are:
• promoting and facilitating improved analysis and discussion of climate change issues for New Zealand in a global context;
• coordinating new interdisciplinary climate change research with emphasis on the growing need to link the social and natural sciences; and
• developing a more strategic approach to university education on climate change.
Role Purpose and Scope
The role of Senior Lecturer is to take leadership in both research and teaching. The successful candidate will be expected to develop new interdisciplinary areas of research into adaptation to climate change, as well as a graduate programme on climate change issues more generally. They will also be expected to undertake supervision of research projects and contribute, where appropriate, to teaching programmes within the Schools of Government (SoG) and Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences (SGEES).
Key Result Areas
Research:
• Maintain a research record that is of a high international standard.
• Lead collaborative research projects.
• Generate research funding for the CCRI.
• Demonstrate research leadership within the CCRI as well as SoG and SGEES.
Teaching:
• Develop an interdisciplinary postgraduate programme in climate change science and policy that meets the growing needs in New Zealand as well as opportunities for contributing to this internationally.
• Supervise student research projects and contribute to teaching programmes within SoG
and SGEES where appropriate.
Challenges
Developing and sustaining rapport with a wide range of relevant groups and organizations, particularly those concerned with climate change issues. Another key challenge will be developing a research profile that will enhance the ability of CCRI to attract funding in a competitive environment. An equally important task will be the development of a successful post-graduate programme on climate change issues that includes distance learning for students in other countries.
Key Relationships
The Senior Lecturer reports to the Director, CCRI.
The Senior Lecturer will also develop and maintain excellent relationships with:
• Head of SoG and Management Team
• Academic and non-academic colleagues in the Institute, School, Faculty, and University
• Organisations and stakeholders outside the University.
Education, Experience and Knowledge required
The successful candidate will have a PhD (or equivalent qualifications) as well as knowledge, expertise and experience in several aspects of climate science and policy.
Attributes and skills include:
• Strong publication record and commitment to high-quality peer-reviewed research
• Proven ability to lead collaborative research projects.
• Interest and ability in developing a graduate programme in climate science and policy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of people..
• Ability to establish their own work priorities within the context of the School’s objectives and goals.
Forum
