Postdoctoral Fellow, Women's Health and Wellbeing in Sport

* Are you an emerging researcher passionate about advancing young women's health, wellbeing, and equity in sport? * Do you want to contribute to internationally recognised research that is shaping policy, practice, and the future of women's sport? * Join the School of Sport and Human Movement at the University of Waikato and be part of an ambitious research programme with real-world impact. Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding early career researcher to join the University of Waikato as a Postdoctoral Fellow - Young Women's Health and Wellbeing in Sport.
Working under the supervision of Professor Holly Thorpe, you will contribute to a nationally and internationally significant research programme focused on young women's health, wellbeing, and performance in sport. You will work collaboratively with academic colleagues, sport organisations, and community partners to deliver high-quality research that informs policy, practice, and public understanding.
The role offers opportunities to undertake innovative interdisciplinary research, publish in leading international journals, present at conferences, co-lead the annual Women's Health and Wellbeing in Sport Conference, contribute to public engagement and impact activities, and support the University's strategic partnership with the Global Observatory of Gender Equity in Sport. There may also be opportunities to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
This is a 0.8 FTE, fixed-term appointment for three years, based at our Hamilton and/or Tauranga campuses. Salary will be $92,603 per year (pro-rated), commensurate with the appointment fraction.
For more information about the role, please see the position description. For a confidential kōrero, please contact Professor Holly Thorpe at the School of Sport and Human Movement on [email protected].
All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? - Who are you?
You will hold a PhD in a relevant gender and sport-related field and have a strong commitment to undertaking high-quality, impactful research.
You will bring: * Ideally, experience using both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. * A developing record of high-quality research publications and scholarly outputs. * Experience working within collaborative and transdisciplinary research teams. * The ability to build productive relationships with sport organisations, research partners, and community stakeholders. * Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences. * Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities. You are a collaborative and self-motivated researcher who values integrity, collegiality, and continuous learning. You will demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and partnership with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a genuine desire to undertake research that makes a meaningful difference.
Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?
The Division of Health at the University of Waikato is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing outcomes across Aotearoa through innovative teaching, research, and strong community partnerships. Our programmes span Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Health Equity and Innovation, Midwifery, Nursing, Medicine, and Sport and Human Movement.
The School of Sport and Human Movement is internationally recognised for excellence in research and teaching. Ranked among the world's leading sport schools, it brings together expertise in sport, health, physical activity, and wellbeing to address complex societal challenges through innovative, interdisciplinary research and education.
He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?
This is a unique opportunity to join an internationally respected research team and contribute to work that is influencing the future of women's health and wellbeing in sport. You will have the opportunity to build your research profile, develop international collaborations, engage with leading sport organisations, and make a tangible contribution to research with real-world impact.
At the University of Waikato, we value integrity, creativity, diversity, and our enduring partnership with Māori. We are committed to a workplace that is inclusive and mana-enhancing, and we welcome applications from candidates with the skills, authority, and vision to help us achieve our goals.
Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.
The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the 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 the Treaty of 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 on Thursday, 10 September 2026
Requisition number: 1003837