"Vice Dean Research and Innovation, School of Sciences and Humanities"

Nazarbayev University (NU) is signalling a step change in its research ambitions. Our new President, Professor Waqar Ahmad, has committed NU to becoming a globally outstanding research-intensive university. To do this, we are strengthening our academic leadership. Professor Rehan Sadiq has joined us as Provost, from his role as Provost and Vice President at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus). Professor Bjorn Birgisson, a world-class research leader, is joining NU as Vice Provost Research and Innovation. Other outstanding leadership positions will be announced in the coming weeks. The Vice Dean Research and Innovation is part of this drive to enhance research leadership at NU, to enable us to achieve our potential as an internationally competitive research-intensive university.

NU is a young institution in Kazakhstan, conceived as a beacon of excellence, and thus holds significant strategic value for the country's and the region’s development. Our students are equivalent in ability to those attending the Ivy League or the Russell Group universities. Faculty come from around 60 nationalities, mostly with doctorates from leading, research-intensive universities.

The School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) comprises 220 faculty members and 2,500 undergraduate students. It encompasses basic sciences, social sciences and humanities disciplines.

Research is at the heart of NU’s identity. We invest substantial amounts in research infrastructure and projects and compete for external research funds. While we can take pride in our research achievements, our current performance does not fully reflect our potential. Nor does the current position of 401-500 in the Times Higher World University Rankings reflect our strengths.

The VDRI’s role will be to enhance productivity and quality of research across the School. Considering that 80% of SSH relates to STEM areas, your disciplinary background will be in the physical sciences (chemistry, mathematics or physics) but you will understand social sciences and humanities sufficiently to provide leadership across the School. To command authority and respect in the role you will hold Full Professorship with proven leadership experience and a record of developing research groups and individual scholars, and attracting research funds. As VDRI, you will be instrumental in achieving our ambitious goals by driving research excellence across all the discipline areas of SSH, fostering innovation, and strengthening NU's global academic standing. You will work closely with the Dean and Executive Committee of SSH as well as the Vice Provost Research and Innovation and the Provost.

Benefits

• Internationally competitive salary
• Free fully furnished housing
• Relocation support
• International health insurance for faculty and dependents residing in Astana
• Education allowance for dependent children residing in Astana

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your vision for research leadership at SSH
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation.

If you have any questions regarding the vacancy, you can address them to the Dean of the School of Sciences and Humanities Dr. Gonzalo Hortelano by emailing ssh.deanoffice@nu.edu.kz.