Head of Skills and Simulation

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a foundational leadership role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s newest medical school. The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM) at the University of Waikato is reimagining medical education for the future — and simulation and clinical skills training are at its core.

As the Head of Skills and Simulation, you will lead the design, delivery, and integration of simulation-based learning across all years of the Doctor of Medicine programme. You’ll coordinate a diverse range of low- and high-fidelity, interprofessional, and digital (VR / AR) learning experiences that prepare students for safe, culturally responsive, and team-based clinical practice.

Working closely with academic and clinical colleagues, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure simulation-based education meets international best practice, accreditation standards, and the School’s commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and excellence.

This is a part-time (0.4FTE) fixed-term role for 24 months, based in Hamilton. Salary and benefits are competitive. 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 a registered health professional — such as a doctor, nurse, midwife, or allied health practitioner — with extensive experience in simulation-based education and clinical teaching. You are an innovative educator and credible leader who can guide staff, mentor simulation teams, and build strong partnerships across professions and communities.

You combine technical expertise with strategic vision, and you are deeply committed to advancing equity, cultural safety, and te Tiriti-led education. Experience in interprofessional education, digital simulation, or scholarship in simulation-based learning will be highly regarded.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is a bold initiative by the University of Waikato, established to meet Aotearoa’s urgent health workforce needs. Its graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine programme integrates cultural safety, digital innovation, and community-based learning to prepare future doctors for primary care, rural practice, and health equity leadership.

We are building a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in teaching, collaboration, and innovation — and we invite you to be part of this transformative journey.

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

This is your opportunity to shape how medical education is delivered in Aotearoa New Zealand for generations to come. You’ll be part of a passionate, high-performing team creating a world-class programme from the ground up — one that makes a tangible difference to communities and the health system.

At Waikato, you’ll find a supportive and inclusive environment, access to professional development, 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 whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close

Applications Close on November 9, 2025

Requisition number : #J-18808-Ljbffr