IYPT Team NZ Team Leader

We are seeking two team leaders to support the New Zealand representative team for the International Young Physicists'' Tournament held between July 5th and 12th in Zurich, Switzerland later this year. Thie tournament is a mixture of serious science competition and school trip. Students are usually Year 13 but occasionally younger.

Two team leaders will mentor the team from their first meeting as the confirmed team on March 22nd until they return from Zurich. YOU WILL TRAVEL TO AND FROM SWITZERLAND WITH THE TEAM at the Trust's expense.

Before the actual competition you will mentor the students as they continue their research into the 17 IYPT problems for 2026 and prepare presentations on their solutions. Younger students (up to ten) from the Physics Foundation Academy will also be involved. These students will attend the online meetings and some of the training camps. They will assist team members with their research and are our non-travelling reserves.

You will be trained for and supported throughout this work, including the time in Switzerland, by the Trustees.

After an initial chat to tell you about the tournament in detail, the recruitment process will involve interview with Trustees and reference checks.

1. An alumnus of IYPT still working or studying in a physics related discipline OR a post graduate student of physics, or a physics rich discipline OR a NZ registered physics teacher
2. A love of experimentation to test physics theory.
3. The time needed to carry out this role
4. be in easy reach of Auckland City.
5. a desire to mentor young people in physics and the maths it requires.
6. a passport that allows you to travel to Switzerland, with a visa if required.

A Police background check is required for this role.

1. attend the school team competition over the weekend of March 21st and 22nd, meeting the team in person during the final session on March 22nd.
2. join the weekly team catch-up for an hour a week (one evening TBA after team is selected)
3. attend all the team training camps in late May (TBA), Kings Birthday weekend and the pre-departure camp June 29th to July 1st.
4. Travel to Zurich with the team around July 1st in time to acclimatise to the time zone.
5. Attend the Tournament with the team between July 5th and July 12 inclusive
6. Travel home to Auckland with the team.

Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 6729

Mentoring