Dean, Faculty of Science | Manukura Pūtaiao

Company Description

Job Description

• Lead the Faculty and champion the academic pursuit of Science, across all its diversity.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top-ranked (#67 QS 2027) research-intensive university as a member of the executive team.

Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland is seeking an inspirational leader with outstanding interpersonal skills and a commitment to discovery and innovation through world-class research and education to become our Dean, Faculty of Science | Manukura Pūtaiao.

A key member of the University Executive reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean will balance the role of being the Faculty’s leader and greatest advocate, while contributing to the success of the whole University, collaborating constructively with Deans, Directors and other university leaders.

The Dean will be ambitious for the people and their endeavours in the Faculty and beyond. Applying strategic, management and financial acumen, the Dean will create an environment of excellence, innovation and inclusion where our 900 staff and 9000 students  are empowered and challenged to flourish, inclusive, thus ensuring the faculty’s lasting success.

The Dean will draw on their academic credentials to provide visionary leadership to enhance our reputation as New Zealand’s largest and most diverse Faculty of Science. Academic eminence will be combined with the belief that people are the Faculty’s greatest asset. The ideal candidate will bring the leadership experience to foster a culture of excellence in both research and teaching, collegiality, collaboration and trust, ensuring all staff are encouraged and enabled to achieve at the highest level.

Candidates who are not already familiar with New Zealand’s bicultural context will be expected to engage with Māori culture and systems of knowledge, and to develop a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and New Zealand’s place in the Pacific. We aspire to contribute to a fair, ethical and sustainable society, reflecting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our foundational relationship with tangata whenua. The Dean will demonstrate the insight, experience and commitment to provide continued leadership to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The Dean will partner with others within and beyond the Faculty to explore and enhance opportunities that strengthen the Faculty’s future impact and sustainability, including growing the philanthropic base while deepening relationships with an existing portfolio of major donors, trusts and corporates. An accomplished relationship builder, the Dean will have expertise in developing meaningful engagement with government, industry, global and local science communities, international institutional and educational partners and wider communities, building a pipeline of opportunities for future generations.  

Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university and one of the Asia-Pacific region's most internationally connected institutions. We are ambitious in our scholarship, confident in our public role, and deeply committed to helping shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a comprehensive research-intensive university, we seek to combine global excellence with a deep commitment to the society we serve.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted by 27 September 2026 (further detail in the Candidate booklet). 

For a confidential discussion, please contact the University of Auckland as below: 

Clare Litten, email: C.litten@auckland.ac.nz 

Position Reference: REF47368M

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