Nazarbayev University is a premier national and regional university. It was launched in 2010
and has been rapidly developing since then with the support of the government and private
funds. It has partnered with some of the most recognized names in the international higher
education.

Times Higher Education ranked Nazarbayev University in the top 30 percent in the 2024 World Universities Ranking. Nazarbayev University is ranked first in Central Asia and in the top 10 among ASEAN universities.

Admission to NU is highly competitive, and the student body is selected from the top high schools throughout the country and region. Most students participate in a foundation year program, and thus enter the School of Sciences and Humanities with extensive English language training and academic preparation. SSH programs emphasize student-oriented learning, with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 12:1. All classes are taught in English (with the exception of language courses taught in a target language other than English).

The School of Sciences and Humanities (SHSS) at Nazarbayev University invites applications for a position as instructor for Kazakh language and culture. The Department of Kazakh Language and Turkic Studies is looking for candidates who want to work with motivated students and contribute to our developing program. Successful candidates will be expected to be able to teach Kazakh language courses at all levels and/or discipline- and/or profession-specific courses at the advanced level, as dictated by the needs of the program. Ideally, we are looking for a teacher who can also serve as a bridge between our program in Kazakh language and Kazakh Studies and our program in Turkic Studies. We have a particular interest in candidates who can offer courses in Kazakh literature.

Essential Qualifications

• M.A. degree in a discipline related to Kazakh language and literature, or related field(s) in Kazakh Studies with superior-level proficiency in Kazakh
• Experience teaching at the tertiary level (or the equivalent)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• An appreciation for flexibility in a developing context
• An interest in continuing professional development

Preference will be given to applicants with: 

• A professional working knowledge of English
• Ability to contribute to the development of certificate programs in professional Kazakh language for humanities, social sciences, biological sciences and/or medicine, physical sciences, or engineering.
• Experience in an international educational setting.

Applicants should submit an application in English including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information of three references, including at least one from someone who can address the candidate's teaching abilities. All application materials must be submitted through the SmartRecruiters website https://www.smartrecruiters.com/. Inquiries should be directed to Professor Uli Schamiloglu <[email protected]>.

We anticipate interviewing final candidates in April 2024 for an appointment to begin in August 2024. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled. Complete applications received by 31 March 2024 will receive fullest consideration for August 2024 hires. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.