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; the student body is selected from the top high schools throughout the country and region. The language of all instruction and research at NU is English. Most faculty and administrators are hired internationally.

 The NU campus is located in Astana, 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.

Nazarbayev University is seeking highly qualified faculty at the Full Professor level to join its rapidly growing Department of Chemistry in the School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) to begin in August 2025. Areas of research interest and expertise may include but are not limited to: biochemistry, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, synthetic polymer chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry with experience in microfluidics or in developing biosensors to complement existing research and teaching capacities. 

Exceptionally strong and qualified candidates may be considered for a higher rank position.

Main duties:

• developing active research program and publishing research outputs in peer reviewed scientific journals of high impact factor;
• actively seeking competitive grants;
• teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses with the typical minimum teaching load of 2 courses per semester (12 ECTS per semester which equates to approximately 90-96 class room hours per semester);
• supervision of undergraduate and graduate students;
• curricular and program development;
• service duties;
• general program guidance and leadership;
• other activities related to the intellectual and cultural environment of the university.

Contracts are for a period of three years and are renewable upon positive review.

Please note that the language of instruction at NU is English.

Successful applicants will have the following qualifications:

• a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry or a relevant field from an accredited institution;
• demonstrated excellence in research reflected by high impact factor journal publications; 
• strong demonstrated potential to establish vigorous research program;
• excellent English-language communication skills,
• excellent collaboration skills and commitment to maintaining a collegial and inclusive work environment.
• strong teaching/instruction skills and in-depth mentoring experience.
• considerable experience in teaching and supervising students at the graduate and undergraduate level,
• track record of excellence in research, teaching, and service.

Candidates for the position of Full Professor levels should demonstrate consistently high research achievements, requisite academic experience to mentor junior faculty and graduate students and a track record of managing major research initiatives, attracting research funding, driving innovation and leadership.

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);

There are no start-up packages for this appointment but there are regular NU calls for applications for Social Development Fund (10,000 USD for 1 year), Faculty Competitive Research Development Grant (150,000 USD for 3 years), Collaborative Research Proposal grants (450,000 USD for 3 years) as well as regular grants calls from the Ministry of Education and Science of RK. The university has got a state of the art laboratories supported by Core Facilities with a range of advanced research instruments available to all NU faculty.

Applicants should attach a detailed CV with the full list of publications, cover letter, contact information of three professional referees, teaching and research statements. Please indicate for what rank position you would like to be considered. The academic rank will be determined according to the successful candidate's teaching and work experience and the relevant research productivity. A review of applications will begin immediately but full consideration will be given to applications submitted no later than March 31, 2025. 

For inquiries regarding the recruitment process and benefits package, please, contact our HR team at [email protected]. Please note that due to the large number of applications only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. If you are not contacted further than 30 days after the closing date, you can assume that you have not been shortlisted for an interview.

Relevant websites:

• Nazarbayev University - https://www.nu.edu.kz  
• School of Science and Humanities - https://ssh.nu.edu.kz/
• Department of chemistry - https://ssh.nu.edu.kz/departments/chemistry