Postdoctoral Fellow - Te Kura Mātai Taiao|School of Environment- 24-month fixed-term

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland is the leading science faculty in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. It undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students' study in our 10 schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers. We have excellent library and computing facilities. 

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

Are you passionate about understanding how low-lying atoll islands are changing in a rapidly evolving climate?

An exciting opportunity is available for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the School of Environment and contribute to cutting-edge research exploring the future of tropical atoll environments.

Working alongside Associate Professor Murray Ford, you will investigate the drivers of shoreline change and vegetation dynamics across atoll islands, using advanced Earth Observation and remote sensing technologies.

This role contributes to understanding how atoll island environments respond to environmental change—knowledge that is critical for Pacific communities and global coastal resilience planning.

If you are motivated by innovative environmental research and real-world impact, we would love to hear from you.

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will:

• Analyse satellite and remote sensing datasets to understand coastal change in atoll environments.
• Use Earth Observation platforms to quantify shoreline and vegetation dynamics across tropical islands.
• Contribute to an active research programme focused on the future of tropical coastal regions.
• Assist in delivering an introductory remote sensing course within the School of Environment.
• Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of postgraduate or Honours students.

You will join a collaborative research environment that supports independent research development and academic career progression.

For more information on the role, please view the Position Description

This is a full-time (40 hrs per week), 24-month fixed-term role

The remuneration is from $92,213 to $94,649 per annum, and will be dependent on skills and experience

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are seeking applicants who have:

Essential

• PhD in remote sensing, earth sciences, GIS, coastal science or a related discipline
• Experience working with remote sensing datasets and geospatial analysis
• Knowledge of coastal change, atoll island geomorphology, or tropical vegetation dynamics
• Experience using geospatial tools such as:
  • Google Earth Engine
  • ArcGIS Pro or QGIS
  • R or Python

Desirable

• Experience supporting or delivering practical teaching in remote sensing
• Experience working with coastal or island environments

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

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

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential.
• We offer a competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave.
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme

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

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, you do not need to tick every box to be considered. The University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 27th August 2026 to be considered.

The application must include:

• Cover letter and CV, as well as evidence of qualifications and contact information, including email addresses, of three references. Please include a statement on your approach to teaching and/or teaching philosophy.  Please note that letters of reference may be requested for longlisted candidates.

Please reach out to Associate Professor Murray Ford via  m.ford@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Qualifications

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