Nazarbayev University was launched in 2010 as a premier national and regional university, partnering with some of the most recognized names in international higher education.  Admission to NU is highly competitive; the student body is selected from the top high schools throughout the country and region.

The NU campus is located in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, in the heart of the new and ultra-modern Left-Bank region of the city. Incoming faculty will enjoy a cosmopolitan living experience, interwoven with traditional cultural influences in food and entertainment. The social life offers a rich and vibrant atmosphere with excellent clubs and restaurants, theater, music, opera, dancing, museums, modern and traditional bazaar shopping, professional and amateur sports, outdoor recreation, and much more.

The Department of Physics in the School of Sciences and Humanities at Nazarbayev University (Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan) is seeking a full-time Chair to lead the Department in implementing a shared vision for its future in research and teaching excellence. The chair will be responsible for supporting the Department’s ongoing efforts to increase research funding and outcomes, to promote inter-disciplinary research with the STEM departments of the school (biology, chemistry, mathematics) as well and with the School of Engineering and Digital Science, to strengthen our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and improve experimental research infrastructure. The Chair will provide leadership toward achieving the highest possible level of excellence in teaching, research, and service. 

The Chair will maintain a teaching and research program commensurate with current University strengths and advance the Physics Department’s role as a key player of the School of Sciences and Humanities in Nazarbayev University community. As Chair of the Department, the successful candidate will serve on the School’s Executive Committee and represent the interests of the Department in various contexts while also maintaining an active research agenda and a reduced teaching load.

Successful candidates should hold a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in physics or in a related field and a track record of academic and research achievements suitable for appointment as Professor. Prior experience in administration is a strong plus.

Nazarbayev University offers an attractive benefits package, including: 

• competitive compensation;
• free housing (based on rank and family size);
• relocation allowance;
• international health insurance for the faculty and dependents living in Nur-Sultan;
• educational allowance for dependent children relocated to Nur-Sultan;
• home leave allowance (air tickets to the home country, twice per year);
• research start-up funds are available.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.  For fullest consideration, application materials should be received before December 1. Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining qualifications and vision for the department, a detailed CV including a list of publications, and research & teaching statements to [email protected] and to the Chair of the Search Committee Jean-Jacques Zondy [email protected]. Successful appointments are expected to begin in August 2020. Interested candidates are encouraged to find out more about the Department Physics at the School of Sciences and Humanities at our website ssh.nu.edu.kz.

For inquiries regarding the recruitment process and benefits package, please, contact our HR team at [email protected].

Relevant websites:

• Nazarbayev University - http://nu.edu.kz/  
• School of Science and Humanities - http://ssh.nu.edu.kz/