Year 1 Programme Lead

Overview

• Shape the foundation year of Aotearoa’s newest medical school
• Lead innovative, integrated learning across biomedical and clinical science
• Advance te Tiriti-led, culturally responsive, medical education

About the role

The University of Waikato is establishing Aotearoa New Zealand’s newest medical school, the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM), designed to train doctors who are clinically excellent, culturally grounded, and ready to serve our diverse communities.

As the Programme Lead - Year 1, you’ll take the lead in developing and delivering the foundation year of the Doctor of Medicine programme. This is an essential stage that sets the tone for every student’s journey. You will coordinate subject experts across biomedical science, hauora Māori, Pacific health, and clinical simulation to ensure an integrated, relevant, and forward-looking curriculum.

Working closely with academic and clinical colleagues, and the Assessment Lead you’ll shape Year 1 learning experiences that blend research-informed teaching, case-based learning, and digital simulation. You’ll also contribute to accreditation and quality assurance processes to meet Australian Medical Council (AMC) and Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) standards.

This is a 0.6 FTE position, fixed-term role for 24 months, with competitive salary and benefits.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Professor David McCormack, Interim Dean of Medicine, All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an experienced clinician or academic with a strong background in medical education and curriculum leadership. You’ll hold a medical degree and be eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

You bring proven experience in curriculum design, teaching, and assessment, and thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments. You are passionate about innovation in medical education and committed to embedding te Tiriti o Waitangi, hauora Māori, and equity into every aspect of learning.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to apply their expertise and leadership to help shape the future of medical training in Aotearoa.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is a bold new initiative from the University of Waikato. It was established to meet the critical need for a medical workforce that is prepared for the realities of primary care, rural health, and community-centred practice.

Inspired by international best practice and grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the School aims to educate doctors who are not only clinically excellent but culturally competent, digitally confident and socially accountable.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

Join us at a defining moment in medical education in Aotearoa New Zealand. At the University of Waikato, you’ll contribute to a transformative project that will have national impact and lasting legacy. Working with a passionate, multidisciplinary team, you’ll enjoy a supportive environment, professional growth, the satisfaction of shaping the first cohort of NZGSM medical graduates and the chance to make a lasting difference to health equity and the future of medical education.

Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand in accordance with NZ immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakoratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on November 9, 2025.

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