Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Digital Product Design

University of Canterbury

  • Christchurch
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • Just now
Kura Hanga Otinga | School of Product Design
Te Kura Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
  • Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
  • Continuing (permanent) position
Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Pūkenga / Pūkenga Matua? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
The University of Canterbury invites applications for a full-time, continuing (permanent) academic position at the level of Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the School of Product Design, within the research subject area of Digital Product Design.This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative School at its inception and contribute to shaping the future of a new interdisciplinary degree programme. The Bachelor of Product Design integrates just over one third design courses, just under one half supporting science and engineering courses, and one sixth business courses. The first student intake for Digital Product Design was in 2024 and students will enter their third and final year of study in February 2026. The programme is currently in a growth phase.Mōu | Who You Are
We are seeking applicants with experience in any disciplines related to human-centred design, user experience design, web platform technologies, or user interface design, with a strong emphasis on Digital Product Design. The successful candidate will:
  • hold a PhD in a relevant field
  • demonstrate a strong record of teaching, research, or creative design practice
  • show a commitment to excellence in teaching core design courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels
  • establish and lead a vigorous research programme
  • supervise undergraduate design projects, Masters, and PhD students
  • collaborate across disciplines within the University
  • contribute actively to School, Faculty, and University service
  • build and maintain links with the design industry locally, nationally, and internationally.
Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
The School of Product Design is committed to excellence in teaching, research and creative practice at the forefront of product design, and producing versatile, innovative graduates who can contribute to New Zealand's future economic growth and social wellbeing. In addition to this role, our current technical team includes eight technical staff, including a Game Design Specialist, while our 23 academic staff cover industrial product design, digital product design, chemical formulation design, game development, game art, and animation. Interdisciplinary collaborations across the School and more widely across the University are strongly encouraged. We have a large number of students, ranging from first-year to master's and doctoral studies, with a range of prototyping skills.We aim to continually improve our teaching and research programmes by attracting and retaining highly-skilled academic and support staff, expanding our facilities, and growing our national and international links with other leading design schools and employers.For more information about the School of Product Design and our team, please visit us .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.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 (
) that supports an extensive visiting fellowship programme * flexible working arrangements
  • supportive working environment
  • professional development and study opportunities
  • living in revitalised
  • 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 us here:This role sits 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, (2026 salary scales).The closing date for this position is: Sunday, 19 October 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 on our careers website and should include the following:
  • a cover letter which includes a 2-3-page statement outlining your research interests and goals and teaching philosophy (combined)
  • a Resume which includes a list of relevant research publications (combined).
We do not accept applications by email, however, we are happy to answer any queries atFor further information specifically about the role, please contact: Conan Fee, Head of School Product Design,For overseas applicants, please visit website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.

University of Canterbury