John David Stout Fellowship

• Are you a scholar of high standing with an established publication record?
• Can you devote yourself to full-time research for 12 months starting on 1 March 2027?
• Do you have a project relating to New Zealand society, history, or culture you wish to initiate or complete?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role 

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting the 2027 John David Stout Fellow in New Zealand Studies. The tenure of the Fellowship will be for 12 months to be taken up on 1 March 2027. The Fellow will be attached to the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington and will be responsible to the Manutaki - Director. The Fellowship is open to researchers in any area of study relating to New Zealand society, history, or culture.

The Fellowship is funded by the Stout Trust to foster research in New Zealand society, history, and culture. It provides the opportunity for a scholar of high standing to work full-time within an academic environment for one year on a research project leading to a publication of national significance. The research may be in any area of study relating to New Zealand society, history, or culture, but the Fellowship is not intended to fund the writing of a novel, play or other literary work. The fellowship is aimed at experienced scholars working outside a university, but with a proven record of publications.

Key responsibilities:

• Applicants should submit a short description of their research project (500 words).
• Applicants should provide personal details and an outline of relevant published writings and work in progress.
• The proposed programme of work during the tenure of the Fellowship must be included.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The successful applicant will be attached to the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies.

You will be a motivated scholar of high standing with:

• An established publication record with a particular project you wish to initiate or complete.
• Availability to devote to full-time research and writing on your chosen topic.
• The ability to spend a major part of your time during the engagement period at the Stout Research Centre and be committed to take an active part in the life of the Centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking for a fixed-term role in a high-performing team. There is no restriction on either the nationality or occupation of applicants.

The Fellowship will not be awarded to anyone whose research is concurrently supported by their regular employment, nor for the writing of a PhD. Preference may be given to an applicant who proposes a fresh field of research.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 4.00pm on 25 September 2026.

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.