Facilitator - Scientists in Schools

Tumu Tuarua Akoranga | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Part-time (22 hours per week negotiable)
• Fixed-term position until May 2028

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Facilitator? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
As a Facilitator - Scientists in Schools (SIS), you will implement and coordinate a new initiative that enhances STEM education in high schools through authentic science experiences. This role is grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga, supporting equity and inclusion across science learning in Aotearoa.

You will build strong relationships with schools, UC staff, and students to deliver inspiring and culturally inclusive STEM learning opportunities. You'll co-design activities, upskill university students in science communication, and help deliver a programme that promotes science literacy and challenges stereotypes. This role also includes supporting research and evaluation of the programme's impact, in alignment with UC's commitment to kotahitanga (unity) and community engagement.

Mōu | Who You Are
As the successful candidate, you will have:

• At least three years' experience working with young people and/or university students
• Experience coordinating educational programmes or similar initiatives
• Practical experience in science communication or education
• Confidence in public speaking and delivering presentations to diverse audiences
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills
• The ability to work collaboratively across teams, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in dynamic environments
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools
• A postgraduate degree (Master's minimum; PhD preferred), and ideally experience in science education research
• A strong commitment to bicultural practice and improving STEM outcomes for tamariki Māori and Pacific students
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
The Scientists in Schools initiative is part of a broader mission to connect UC with the community and empower rangatahi through real-world, inspirational science education. You will work alongside the Children's University team, which brings university experiences to tamariki in primary schools—SIS takes this further by supporting high school learners on their STEM journeys.

You'll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking group of educators, researchers, and community builders committed to equity, innovation, and hands-on learning. We value openness, experimentation, collaboration, and above all a deep care for our ākonga and their futures.

For more information on our team visit us here.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can, and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here.

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.

We offer a range of fantastic benefits including flexible work practices, study opportunities and generous superannuation and leave provisions. For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 25 May 2025 (midnight, NZ time).
Please note applications will be reviewed after the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.