Nazarbayev University was launched in 2010 as a premier national and regional university, partnering with some of the most internationally recognized names in Higher Education. In 2023, Nazarbayev University entered the Times Higher Education rankings for the first time, securing a position in the 501–600 range. Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities are ranked in the 401–500 category. 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 approximately 15:1. All classes are taught in English (with the exception of language courses taught in a target language other than English, including courses taught in Kazakh).

The School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) at Nazarbayev University invites applications for a position as Associate Professor of Kazakh Studies with an appointment in the Department of Kazakh Language and Turkic Studies. The Department of Kazakh Language and Turkic Studies is looking for mid-career candidates who are eager to work with motivated undergraduate students and contribute to our academic program in Kazakh Studies. Successful candidates will be expected to teach high-quality undergraduate academic courses in Kazakh Studies conducted in the Kazakh language. The standard teaching load for faculty is two (2) courses per semester, with a workload distribution of 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service.

The Department of Kazakh Language and Turkic Studies does not have an undergraduate major, but it does offer courses to meet the Kazakh Language Core Requirement. All undergraduate students are required to take at least two (2) courses taught in Kazakh Language. SSH is also home to the M.A. and Ph.D. in Eurasian Studies. While the successful candidate may have the opportunity to work with M.A. and Ph.D. students in SSH (depending upon area of expertise), this is not a part of the job description.

• Ph.D. (or Doktor Nauk) degree in a discipline related to Kazakh Studies or related field(s) related to Kazakh Studies with superior-level proficiency in Kazakh language. (In exceptional cases a Kandidat Nauk degree holder with an appropriate record of publication will be considered.)
• A stellar record of research and academic publication in Kazakhstan
• 5+ years of experience teaching at the tertiary level
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Evidence of interest in engaging international scholarship
• An appreciation for flexibility in a developing context
• An interest in continuing professional development (as appropriate)

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• An ability to integrate Kazakh Studies with international scholarship
• An ability to contribute to the new course “Kazakh Studies in the Post-Colonial Era” (Қазақтану: Постколонияалық кезең)
• A working knowledge of English (preferably at a professional academic level)
• Experience in an international educational setting
• Potential to publish in Q1 journals

Applicants should submit an application in English including a cover letter, a complete curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information for three references, plus 2-3 sample publications (PDF format). All applications should be submitted through the Nazarbayev University employment website at SmartRecruiters.com: https://smrtr.io/pF2Rk

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Inquiries should be directed, as appropriate, to HR Services [email protected] or to Professor Uli Schamiloglu (Chair, Department of Kazakh Language and Turkic Studies): [email protected].

We anticipate recruiting a faculty member in Spring 2025 for an appointment to begin in August 2025. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled. Complete applications received by 1 April 2025 will receive fullest consideration for August 2025 hires. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.