Nazarbayev University

Nazarbayev University’s Center for Preparatory Studies (CPS) is currently seeking qualified teachers for our language courses: EAP or academic skills. CPS operates a Foundation Year Program (NUFYP) which emphasizes academic English, mathematics, and a “Leadership” course to prepare students for Nazarbayev University’s undergraduate schools. The minimum English entry level into NUFYP is an overall IELTS of 5.5; all classes are taught in English. Job Description NUFYP Teaching Fellows teach up to 18 student-contact hours per week (lecture, seminars,office hours) and perform eight hours of support in working groups (e.g., materials development,assessment creation), and can volunteer with student clubs, serving on university committees, offering short courses in our learning center, or presenting professional development workshops. Candidates with an interest in teaching academic skills in a content course are desired. Qualifications The successful candidate must have the qualifications, experience, character, and skills required to effectively teach in an undergraduate preparatory program. These include: Completed Master’s degree in an appropriate subject area (e.g., Education, EAP, TESL, Applied Linguistics) Teaching abilities – usually demonstrated through relevant work experience with international foundation teaching experience preferred The ability to teach in a multicultural educational environment and collaborate as a supportive team member Possessing a robust work ethic, exemplary professional behavior, and strong moral character Excellent communications skills – the ability to follow written and oral instructions The ability to contribute NU’s core values

Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education (NUGSE) invites applications from an exceptional scholar to join our international faculty and contribute to our vision of becoming a world-class center for teaching and research in education, specifically inclusive education. In response to ongoing growth, NUGSE seeks to hire a Full Professor/Associate Professor in Inclusive Education. Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, Kazakhstan, is a new Western-style, English-medium institution founded with the support of leading partner universities worldwide. It ranks #1 in Central Asia and the Caucasus region, #4 in the CIS countries, and 401-500 in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. The Graduate School of Education ranks among the top 176-200 universities worldwide in education. The university is only 15 years old. For more information, please visit our official website: nu.edu.kz. NUGSE plays a pivotal role in driving education reform in Kazakhstan. We welcome faculty members who are passionate about making a difference through collaboration with schools, other universities, and the Ministry of Education and Science. GSE also houses a Research Institute, A Central Asian Research Centre for Educational Innovation and Transformation (CARCEIT), and a Professional Development Centre, playing a major role in educational research, policy advisory, and leadership capacity-building. NUGSE launched its first Master’s and PhD programmes in September 2013, supported by strategic partners, the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education (UK) and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (USA). NUGSE offers a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Multilingual Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education. The M.Sc. in Educational Leadership includes specialisations in School Education, Inclusive Education, and Higher Education. NUGSE adopts an intersectional, social-justice-based understanding of inclusive education that encompasses disability, ethnicity, gender, linguistic diversity, migration, poverty, rurality, and other forms of marginalization, as reflected in contemporary international scholarship, e.g., epistemic justice. Job Description The successful applicant will hold a doctoral degree in education, preferably in inclusive education with a demonstrated research trajectory in one or more of the following areas of inclusive education: inclusive schooling, curriculum, assessment, psychology and counseling, assistive technology, rural and marginalized populations, leadership, policy and governance, intersecting areas such as culture and disability, and specialised educational needs. The candidate should present a robust scholarly portfolio that includes peer-reviewed publications, grant-funded projects, and evidence of sustained scholarly impact. A distinguished track record in pedagogical innovation is essential, including experience designing and delivering inclusive, evidence-based instruction in diverse educational settings. Qualifications ESSENTIAL PhD in a relevant discipline (preferably in inclusive education) from a well-respected university. Excellent record of scholarly learning and teaching in undergraduate and/or postgraduate programmes, including innovative curriculum design, academic programme development and leadership, and research supervision at master’s and doctoral levels. At least eight years of post-terminal degree teaching experience, with at least three years of teaching at the graduate level at respectable institutions of higher education. Internationally established research reputation at the Professorial level underpinned by publications in top-ranked peer-reviewed journals, knowledge translation expertise, and success in obtaining globally competitive external research grants. Demonstrate academic leadership that shapes global debates in inclusive education, including contributions to international research networks, editorial leadership, and advancement of theoretical and policy developments within the field. Evidence of a strong publication record (in Scopus-indexed Q1/Q2 journals). Evidence of successful contribution to developing a direction of research, leading research projects as a primary investigator, including grants of national and international importance. The appointee should have a proven record of securing substantial competitive funding and leading large-scale, multi-institutional or multi-country research programmes that generate measurable impact on policy and practice. Previous experience in the supervision, management and timely completion of doctoral students (at least 2), including advising and improving research excellence, career development and candidature management. Evidence of positive engagement with research, community, industry and government to enhance the national standing of the discipline within the inclusive education sector. Successful record of achieving milestones of strategic importance in leadership of teaching, research, and/ or project management. For example, leading large-scale, interdisciplinary, and/or community-based intervention research projects funded by national or international agencies (e.g., UNESCO, UNICEF, EU, Erasmus+, British Council. Proven high-level face-to-face and online teaching skills, and course design employing varying modes and delivery designs for an inclusive education curriculum. Expertise in inclusive pedagogical frameworks such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, and disability-inclusive curriculum and assessment design. Capacity to assume a senior leadership role in teaching, research and service in the School and University. This includes leading major research clusters, contributing to academic programme innovation, supporting internationalisation efforts, and strengthening the School’s global visibility through strategic collaborations. Thorough understanding of policies and conventions relevant to equity in education, such as ethnic and socio-cultural minorities, and economically disadvantaged groups, for example, Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, and the current global Beyond 2030 debates. The School particularly welcomes candidates whose work advances decolonial, culturally grounded, and Global South perspectives on inclusive education, enriching the epistemic diversity of research and teaching. DESIRABLE Leadership of relevant professional associations. Knowledge of Kazakhstan and/ or Central Asia / post-Soviet contexts. Experience of serving in strategic bodies/committees at the university level and as a member of the editorial board of internationally recognised journals. Experience conducting research or collaboration in multilingual and multicultural contexts; knowledge of regional languages is an asset but not required. Additional Information Conditions of Employment: Initial appointment is on 3-year renewable contracts and will be subject to annual performance reviews. An attractive remuneration package will include: Internationally competitive salary; Holiday leave of 56 days per annum; Two flights for the appointee and dependents’ home per annum; International health insurance; Rent-free housing for the appointee and dependents; Assistance for relocation expenses, including air fares for the appointee and dependents. Application Procedure To apply, please submit the following documents, together with the names and contact details of two referees, online through the link no later than May 4, 2026. 1. Cover letter Specify the rank you are applying for: Full Professor or Associate Professor. Explain your interest in working at NUGSE Align your qualifications with the criteria listed in the job posting: highlight relevant teaching, supervision, leadership, research impact, grants, publications, and service. Keep it concise (2-3 pages only). 2.  Updated CV Structure: contact information, education, professional appointments (with dates), teaching and supervision experience, administrative/leadership roles, research projects and grants, publications (peer-reviewed, books, chapters), awards, service, and references. 3. Teaching Dossier Teaching philosophy statement: 1–2 pages describing your approach to teaching and learning, assessment methods, inclusivity and equity, use of technology, and evidence-based improvements. Sample course outlines: 1-2 courses (include course codes, titles, brief description, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and sample reading lists). Sample student evaluations: include anonymised representative feedback and, if available, summary metrics illustrating teaching effectiveness. 4. Research Statement Summarise your research agenda, goals for the next 3–5 years, and how your work contributes to the field. Highlight recent publications with DOIs or links. Mention ongoing projects, collaborations, and potential for future grants or partnerships. Include a short paragraph on how your research aligns with NUGSE’s priorities, if possible 5. Reference Letters (2–3) Choose referees who know your work well and can comment on your qualifications relative to the position you’re applying for. The referees should have active jobs at reputable universities and should be at or above the rank for which you are applying. Notify referees early and provide at least 2-3 weeks before the deadline to ensure timely submission. Review of applications begins on May 5, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Interested candidates are encouraged to find out more about NUGSE at gse.nu.edu.kz and our Facebook page @nugse2014. Online interviews for shortlisted applicants will start after May 11, 2026. Informal enquiries about specific posts can be addressed to Mir Afzal Tajik (Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs) at afzal.mir@nu.edu.kz

Nazarbayev University’s Center for Preparatory Studies (CPS) is currently seeking qualified Teachers for our language courses: EAP or academic skills. CPS operates a Foundation Year Program (NUFYP) which emphasizes academic English, mathematics, and a “Leadership” course to prepare students for Nazarbayev University’s undergraduate schools. The minimum English entry level into NUFYP is an overall IELTS of 5.5; all classes are taught in English. Job Description As a member of the academic teaching team of CPS, a Senior Teaching Fellow is responsible for teaching courses, leading a team of teaching fellows, and overseeing the curricula and assessments of subject courses under the direction of the Head of Discipline and General Director. The STF will report to the relevant Head of Discipline. The STF is employed for 40-hours per week and shall comply with the internal teaching and work schedule instituted by CPS and by the requirements established by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Qualifications Teaching and Learning support: To uphold NU principles of academic integrity and to provide guidance to colleagues and students on embedding NU Graduate Attributes in curricular and co-curricular activities. To strive for excellence in teaching both as a member and leader of a team of teaching fellows following the regulations and policies of NU and CPS. To advise and develop curriculum in conjunction with CPS leadership. To assist with designing, delivering, and marking assessments. To challenge thinking, foster debate and develop the ability of students to engage in critical thinking and rational discussions. To provide personalized academic support and feedback to students especially giving advice to accelerate the learning of talented students and helping students with learning disabilities. To actively encourage students to participate in the social and cultural life of the University. Quality assurance: To contribute to course development through periodic course reviews. To develop and ensure teaching materials, methods and approaches are in accordance with the established learning outcomes of the teaching program and policies of NU. To ensure that relevant NU regulations and policies are upheld, and to comply with the CPS program’s quality procedures and standards. To be lead invigilators of NUFYP entrance exams. Staff and Professional Development: To plan and lead professional development workshops under the supervision of the Head of Discipline and General Director of CPS. To conduct formal teaching observations and assist with annual reviews of teaching fellows. To pursue academic rigor through a commitment to academic, professional, and personal development. Administration and other activities: To take administrative and academic responsibility for a team of teaching fellows—providing mentoring leadership; ensuring their classes are well prepared and delivered as scheduled; seeing that assessments are marked and attendance recorded. To assist the management team in the operations of CPS and to facilitate communications within CPS and their team. To complete academic administration tasks (e.g., attendance data, compiling student progress reports, student surveys). To attend CPS meetings and to participate, as required, in other committee and working groups in CPS, NU Schools, and the University. To actively follow and promote NU policies, including equal opportunity, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, racial or ethnic origin or religion. To ensure compliance with health and safety procedures. To contribute to student recruitment, invigilate entrance examinations, facilitate outreach work, or participate in relevant professional activities. To participate in the CPS social programs where this is an integral part of the teaching/learning program (attending induction activities, welcome and graduation ceremonies). To carry out any other duties within the scope and purpose of the position as requested by the General Director of CPS or relevant Head of Discipline.