Pouako|Lecturer - Te Kura Mātai Matū |The School of Chemical Sciences - Medicinal Chemistry

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University of Auckland invites applications for a permanent Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry in Te Kura Mātai Matū, School of Chemical Sciences. The role covers modern drug design, screening methods and computational approaches including AI and chemoinformatics, with offshore teaching commitments; it is a full‑time position with NZD 99,788–119,204 per year. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry or related field and demonstrate potential for world‑class research with external funding, innovative teaching and supervision, and a visible commitment to inclusion and equity in Aotearoa. Apply online by 22 August 2026 with a cover letter addressing criteria, a CV with referees, a 5‑year research vision and a teaching philosophy, and tailor documents to highlight NZ context and collaborations.

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Aucklan

Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the largest and most highly ranked science faculty in New Zealand. The Faculty of Science is ranked among the top 90 science faculties worldwide by the QS World University Rankings. The 10 departments and schools that form the Faculty of Science represent the breadth and diversity of science in our modern world.

The Medicinal Chemistry programme is hosted in Te Kura Mātai Matū |The School of Chemical Sciences, the largest chemistry-related department in New Zealand, with over 30 permanent academic staff and over 150 PhD students. The School has a very strong international reputation in research, with collaborations spanning the globe, and has high-quality research infrastructure. As well as our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in medicinal chemistry, we also have postgraduate programmes in Food Science, Forensic Science, Green Chemical Science and Wine Science that could provide collaborative research opportunities for successful candidates. The School has a commitment to teaching excellence and building connections with our community. We are striving to reflect the demographics of our student base and Aotearoa. 

More information about the School and the researchers in our School can be found on our webpage: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/school-of-chemical-sciences.html

Our staff and students can connect with our flagship groups including Tuākana, Rainbow, Women of Colour, Māori, Pacific, Muslim, and Disabled Staff network and our Waipapa Marae.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The School of Chemical Sciences seeks to appoint a permanent academic faculty member at the Lecturer level in Medicinal Chemistry. The appointment will be within the broad area of medicinal chemistry, with a focus on the implementation of modern approaches to drug design, screening methodologies, and computational methods, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and chemoinformatics. Candidates will be considered on their merits, with the primary selection criteria detailed below. Preference will be given to candidates who complement the current research in medicinal chemistry in the School and have a clear vision of how their research plan will be implemented in a New Zealand context.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) permanent position. The appointees will be required to contribute to our offshore teaching commitments, including travel to other countries, as part of the role.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

The remuneration is $99,788 - $119,204 per annum, dependent on skills and experience

He kōrero mōu | About you

Selection Criteria: The successful candidate will be selected based on the following criteria:

Can you demonstrate that:

• you have the potential to become a world-class researcher in your respective field of medicinal chemistry, implementing modern methods which could relate to drug design, screening methods, and computational approaches including but not limited to artificial intelligence, machine learning and chemoinformatics, with a strong, independent research programme funded by external grants, and strong research collaborations with other institutions and industry.

• you have the potential to become a teacher and supervisor who reflects the latest advances in medicinal chemistry and your field with a clear commitment to innovative teaching and supervision excellence and can contribute to research-informed teaching and supervision within the broad area of medicinal chemistry.
• you are interested and are active in dimensions beyond research and teaching; for example, mentoring and advising students and colleagues, public outreach, engaging with industry, and science communication. 
• you are collaborative and collegial - willing to support the successful operation of the medicinal chemistry programme and the School, and be accessible to colleagues, research students and undergraduate students.
• you have a high-level understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in a university context.

Our applicant will have a conferred PhD in Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related discipline.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and has significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, relocation support if required, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 22nd August 2026 to be considered.

To apply for this role, please upload the following four documents:

1. A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and explicitly addressing each of the selection criteria above (1-2 pages).
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor/manager). Referees will not be contacted without your prior approval.
3. A separate statement which includes your research vision for the next 5 years, including the potential for collaborations within the Medicinal Chemistry programme and the wider University of Auckland, and plans to obtain research funding support (1-2 pages).
4. A separate statement which includes your teaching, supervision, and student support philosophy (1-2 pages).

Please look at the School’s webpage (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/school-of-chemical-sciences.html) for further information, and contact the Head of School, Prof Duncan McGillivray ([email protected]) or academic lead for the Medicinal Chemistry Programme Professor Brent Copp ([email protected]) if you have other questions.

Please note that we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

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