Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Philosophy

PHILOSOPHY PROGRAMME | RAPUKA WHAKAARO

SCHOOL OF ARTS | TE PAE TAKATA

Who we are - Ko wai mātou

The Philosophy programme at Otago has an outstanding reputation for research, in a country known internationally for its strength in philosophy. Our research specialisations include metaphysics, epistemology, ethical theory, philosophy of science, philosophical logic, early modern philosophy, philosophy of artificial intelligence, and the philosophy of language and mind.

Our programme has a friendly and open atmosphere. We are an active community - a steady stream of visitors from across New Zealand and from overseas attend our weekly seminar programme, providing students and staff with the opportunity to meet and attend seminars given by a wide range of leading philosophers.

We offer a range of undergraduate courses in subjects including:

• metaphysics
• epistemology
• philosophy of language and mind
• ethics
• meta-ethics
• philosophy of science
• logic
• critical thinking
• history of philosophy
• philosophy of religion
• environmental philosophy
• and radical and revolutionary philosophy.

Philosophy forms part of the interdisciplinary PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Arts major.

The role - Te mahi

The Philosophy Programme, University of Otago (New Zealand), invites applications for a permanent position at the rank of Lecturer (equivalent to Assistant Professor in the North American system), beginning 1 July 2026. We are seeking a candidate with experience and a strong track record in engaging teaching and innovative research in philosophy.

We are looking for someone whose area of teaching and research specialisation includes one or more of the following:

• Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
• Philosophy of Mind and Language
• Critical Thinking and Philosophy of Science

Our ideal candidate will teach and research into the area broadly known as Technology and Humanity, which includes the Philosophy of AI. They will contribute to, and develop new courses in Digital Humanities, with a view to eventually taking a leadership role for the University of Otago in this area.

In this role, you will contribute to one or more of the following undergraduate courses:

• Critical Thinking
• Philosophy of Language and Mind
• Philosophy of Science
• Digital Humanities: Method and Critique
• When Machines Decide

You will also:

• develop an undergraduate course in your own area of expertise
• supervise research at Honours, MA and PhD levels
• develop and maintain a strong research profile, including a willingness to seek external research funds
• undertake administrative roles and community/professional service activities that contribute to the overall effectiveness and standing of the Programme.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to fostering collaborative teaching and research relationships with Māori and/or Pasifika communities, according to principles of Kaupapa Māori; Teu le vā; or similar relevant framework.

Your skills and experience - Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

The successful candidate is expected to have a PhD with an established research focus in Philosophy, and to be able to demonstrate a record of high-quality research and teaching.

You will also have:

• an excellent research profile along with a commitment to and/or established connections with international and/or national researchers
• the demonstrated ability in teaching Philosophy courses at all levels
• an interest in community outreach and engagement activities
• a commitment to contribute to teaching and learning environments that support engagement of students and staff with te ao Māori, te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori.

Further details - Pūroko

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), permanent position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The full-time salary scale for a Lecturer is $94,084 to $111,056 per annum.

The University of Otago is the oldest University in New Zealand. Philosophy was one of the University's foundation subjects and the Philosophy Programme is known for its collegiality as well as its excellence in teaching and research. Our academic staff members are involved in a number of collaborative teaching and research projects.

Equal employment opportunities - the division is strongly committed to diversity in staffing and encourages applications from women and other under-represented groups who are suitably qualified.

Application - Tono

Candidates are requested to submit the following:

• A CV, including employment history
• A letter of application outlining how you fit the research and teaching role
• Names and email addresses of at least three referees

To submit your application please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2500580 will close on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To view all current vacancies and to apply online go to: www.otago.ac.nz/jobs

Equal opportunity in employment is University policy.

E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi.