Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Computer Science & Software Engineering

Job Description:

Te Tari Pūhanga Pūmanawa Rorohiko | Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Te Kaupeka Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE) / Continuing (permanent) position
• Two roles available - both roles will include contribution to UC’s joint education programme in China
• Start date - January 2027

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Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
The Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering invites applications for two continuing (permanent) academic positions at the level of Lecturer or Senior Lecturer. We are seeking academics with expertise in either Scalable Data and Computing Systems or Software and Network Security, who will contribute to teaching across the Computer Science curriculum and establish an active, impactful research programme in their area of expertise.

Role 1 - Scalable Data and Computing Systems
If your expertise is in scalable data and computing systems, you will strengthen our teaching in Big Data Computing and Systems and contribute research in areas such as distributed systems, cloud and edge computing, high-performance and parallel computing, large-scale data processing, resource management and scheduling, sustainable computing, or computing infrastructure for data-intensive applications. We are particularly interested in candidates who can connect foundational systems concepts with contemporary platforms and practices, and who can build collaborative links with research, industry and infrastructure partners.

Role 2 -Software and Network Security
If your expertise is in software and network security, you will contribute to foundational Computer Science teaching, including introductory programming, alongside specialist teaching in areas such as secure software development, ethical hacking, penetration-testing methodologies and techniques, and network security. We are particularly interested in candidates who can connect fundamental programming, networking and systems concepts with hands-on software and network security practice, while developing an innovative and impactful research programme.

Across either area, you will contribute to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the development of innovative curricula; establish and sustain an externally funded research programme; supervise postgraduate research students; engage collaboratively across disciplines and with external partners, including industry and government; and contribute to leadership and service within the Department, Faculty and University.

Special Role Requirement
These positions include teaching responsibilities offshore contributing to the joint education programme between University of Canterbury and Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT), Shannxi Province, China.

Mōu | Who You Are
We are seeking academics who can bring strong research expertise and teaching capability in one of the two focus areas: Scalable Data and Computing Systems, or Software and Network Security, together with the ability to contribute to the broader Computer Science curriculum.

You will have:

• A PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field (applicants who have submitted their PhD for examination or are near completion may be considered).
• A strong record of research outputs, commensurate with career stage and discipline norms.
• Research expertise aligned with either scalable and data-intensive computing systems, or software and network security.
• A demonstrated ability to teach effectively using inclusive, innovative pedagogies, with the ability to contribute across foundational and/or specialist areas of Computer Science as appropriate to your expertise.
• Evidence of collegiality, communication and leadership skills, and a commitment to supporting an inclusive academic environment.
• A willingness to engage with industry and community partners to enhance impact and visibility.

We particularly welcome candidates who can connect their specialist expertise with broader Computer Science concepts, contribute to our collaborative culture, and help prepare students to apply strong computing foundations to contemporary challenges.

Whether your research focus is building scalable computing and data-intensive systems or protecting software, networks and computing systems, this is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to research, teaching and the future direction of Computer Science at the University of Canterbury.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
Te Tari Pūhanga Pūmanawa Rorohiko | the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering is a vibrant, research-active, and forward-looking department within the Faculty of Engineering. We are dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and engagement, with strong links to industry and research institutions in New Zealand and internationally.

For more information about our Department, please visit us here - Computer Science and Software Engineering department | UC

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora -– Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

The University of Canterbury is a leading University in Aotearoa New Zealand, with over 27,000 students. We are located in Ōtautahi Christchurch - the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand with easy access to the Southern Alps and renowned skiing, hiking, fishing, whale watching, mountain biking and other outdoor destinations and facilities to support a work-life-balance lifestyle.

What we offer
The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment, this includes:

• relocation support
• five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• widely accessible sabbatical provision
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• University and Faculty scholarship support for post-graduate students
• a unique bequest funded endowment (Erskine Fund) that supports an extensive visiting fellowship programme
• flexible working arrangements / supportive working environment
• professional development and study opportunities
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information on our Benefits, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/

These roles sit within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Support Staff Collective Agreement and the following salary scale applies: Lecturer $94,181 - $113,616; Senior Lecturer $119,586 - $149,806.

The closing date for this position is Sunday, 25 October 2026 (midnight NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for these positions must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following:

1. a 1-page cover letter, a 1–2-page research statement outlining your research interests and goals,
   and a 1–2-page teaching philosophy statement (combined)
2. a Resume which includes a list of relevant research publications (combined).

Please be aware that the online application process only allows a maximum of two documents to be uploaded.

Please note, you will be required you to indicate which of the two focus areas (above) that you wish to be considered for, in the online application process.

We do not accept applications by email; however, we are happy to answer any queries at [email protected]

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Tanja Mitrovic, Head of Department, Computer Science and Software Engineering, [email protected]

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.