Nazarbayev University

Working, teaching and research at Nazarbayev University

Information about Nazarbayev University for Academics

Research Ecosystem Rooted in Community and Innovation

The university operates over 100 dedicated research laboratories, including a world-class Core Research Facility supporting engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences. NU also hosts 23 specialized laboratories in key domains such as electron microscopy, analytical chemistry, materials science, and biotechnology. Its Nanofabrication Facility, launched in 2022, is Kazakhstan’s first ISO 6 Cleanroom Nanolab, facilitating pioneering work in micro- and nano systems.

But what sets NU apart is its integrated ecosystem. NU’s Technopark is home to a growing community of resident startups and ventures - many founded by its own students, alumni, and faculty, but also open to external innovators.

Another key facility is the Fab Lab, a fabrication laboratory equipped with advanced tools that allow users to prototype instruments, devices, or experimental kits. By combining access to cutting-edge infrastructure with a collaborative, inclusive philosophy, NU fosters a space where ideas can move from concept to creation - whether from within the university or from the wider community it serves.

At the heart of Kazakhstan’s academic and technological revolution sits the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University. As the country’s premier AI research organisation, the ISSAI drives digital infrastructure and technological sovereignty, enhancing Kazakhstan’s role in the global AI landscape.

NU’s international collaboration rate of 63.8% reflects its strong commitment to fostering global research networks, placing it among internationally significant institutions such as King Saud University, the University of Luxembourg, and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

This metric, which measures the influence of research outputs, highlights NU’s growing impact and the increasing recognition of its contributions within the global academic community.

Teaching Excellence

We have a vibrant, international community with almost 500 faculty and staff from 62 countries. Faculty at NU deliver world-class curricula, with a focus on research-integrated teaching. Leading researchers provide opportunities for students to explore exciting fields of learning supported by faculty with outstanding knowledge, experience and pedagogical expertise.

NU has received global accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) UK, after an Institutional Quality Review (IQR) - a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against the European Higher Education Area (ESG) international quality assurance standards. The IQR report noted NU’s:

high levels of student engagement, including student representation on all committees in the governance structure;
the university’s strong responsiveness to student feedback in programme design and delivery;
the excellent range of campus facilities and services that enhance the student learning experience;
the autonomy afforded to the university's Schools for the use of AI to inform innovation in learning and teaching;
the university's diverse, varied, and extensive group of high-calibre international staff and
strong collaborations with strategic partners to inform internal quality assurance;

NU is also partnering with Advanced Higher Education (AHE) UK to provide international certification through Fellowships to recognize the quality of faculty involved in teaching and the administration of teaching and learning.

Living in Astana: The Capital of Kazakhstan

At NU, you'll find not only outstanding opportunities for research and teaching, but also a vibrant and welcoming environment for living. Located in Astana—the fast-growing and modern capital of Kazakhstan—our community thrives at the intersection of tradition and innovation. The country itself offers stunning natural beauty, from expansive steppes to serene lakes and majestic mountains, along with a rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its hospitality, Kazakhstan features diverse cuisine, an active social life, and a steadily growing international community.

Open Positions

Jobs at Nazarbayev University

Open positions for academics and staff at Nazarbayev University

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Vice Dean for Research and Innovation, School of Sciences and Humanities

Nazarbayev University

Kazakhstan, Astana (ex Tselinograd)

Nazarbayev University

Kazakhstan, Astana (ex Tselinograd)

Nazarbayev University (NU) is signalling a step change in its research ambitions. Our new President, Professor Waqar Ahmad, has committed NU to becoming a globally outstanding research-intensive university. To do this, we are strengthening our academic leadership. Professor Rehan Sadiq has joined us as Provost, from his role as Provost and Vice President at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus). Professor Bjorn Birgisson, a world-class research leader, is joining NU as Vice Provost Research and Innovation. Other outstanding leadership positions will be announced in the coming weeks. The Vice Dean Research and Innovation is part of this drive to enhance research leadership at NU, to enable us to achieve our potential as an internationally competitive research-intensive university. NU is a young institution in Kazakhstan, conceived as a beacon of excellence, and thus holds significant strategic value for the country's and the region’s development. Our students are equivalent in ability to those attending the Ivy League or the Russell Group universities. Faculty come from around 60 nationalities, mostly with doctorates from leading, research-intensive universities. The School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) comprises 220 faculty members and 2,500 undergraduate students. It encompasses basic sciences, social sciences and humanities disciplines. Research is at the heart of NU’s identity. We invest substantial amounts in research infrastructure and projects and compete for external research funds. While we can take pride in our research achievements, our current performance does not fully reflect our potential. Nor does the current position of 401-500 in the Times Higher World University Rankings reflect our strengths. The VDRI’s role will be to enhance productivity and quality of research across the School. Considering that 80% of SSH relates to STEM areas, your disciplinary background will be in the physical sciences (chemistry, mathematics or physics) but you will understand social sciences and humanities sufficiently to provide leadership across the School. To command authority and respect in the role you will hold Full Professorship with proven leadership experience and a record of developing research groups and individual scholars, and attracting research funds. As VDRI, you will be instrumental in achieving our ambitious goals by driving research excellence across all the discipline areas of SSH, fostering innovation, and strengthening NU's global academic standing. You will work closely with the Dean and Executive Committee of SSH as well as the Vice Provost Research and Innovation and the Provost. Benefits Nazarbayev University offers an internationally competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes: Internationally competitive salary Free fully furnished housing Relocation support International health insurance for faculty and dependents residing in Astana Education allowance for dependent children residing in Astana Application Instructions To apply, please submit the following documents: Cover letter outlining your vision for research leadership at SSH Detailed curriculum vitae Three letters of recommendation. If you have any questions regarding the vacancy, you can address them to the Dean of the School of Sciences and Humanities Dr. Gonzalo Hortelano by emailing to ssh.deanoffice@nu.edu.kz.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

29 Dec 2025

Teaching Fellow of the Center for Preparatory Studies

Nazarbayev University

Kazakhstan, Astana (ex Tselinograd)

Nazarbayev University

Kazakhstan, Astana (ex Tselinograd)

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

Salary

Competitive

Posted

10 Feb 2026

Senior Teaching Fellow in the Center for Preparatory Studies

Nazarbayev University

Kazakhstan, Astana (ex Tselinograd)

Nazarbayev University

Kazakhstan, Astana (ex Tselinograd)

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.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

10 Feb 2026

Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor in the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence

Nazarbayev University

United Kingdom

Nazarbayev University

United Kingdom

Company Description Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, the vibrant capital of Kazakhstan, is an innovative, Western-style, English-medium institution founded with the support of leading partner universities worldwide. Currently ranked among the top 401-500 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, NU prides itself on academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and a merit-based system. In response to Kazakhstan's strategic economic transition and the presidential declaration of 2026 as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, NU launched the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI). SCAI is a newly consolidated, non-departmentalized school that merges the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Robotics Engineering, and the Department of Mathematics to remove traditional academic silos. This creates a deeply synergistic ecosystem where mathematical rigor accelerates algorithmic innovation and applied computing. Job Description SCAI invites applications from exceptional scholars at the Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor ranks to join our rapidly expanding international faculty. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in high-impact areas, including Generative AI, Natural Language Processing, Cybersecurity, Statistics, Physical AI, Computational Finance, and "AI for X" (interdisciplinary applications in health, mining, natural sciences, public policy, and business), as well as fundamental domains such as theoretical computing and software engineering. Responsibilities include: Developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate (Professional Master's, Research Master's, and PhD) courses in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Robotics, and Applied Mathematics. Engaging in high-quality research, targeting publication in Top 10% journals and top-tier conferences. Securing and managing globally and nationally competitive external research grants. Supervising MS and PhD students and mentoring early-career faculty. Fostering robust partnerships with domestic and international industry leaders, contributing to deep-tech entrepreneurship, patent generation, and the incubation of startups. Collaborating across NU schools to bridge the gap between academic research and market-ready solutions. Qualifications ESSENTIAL Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Operations Research, or a closely related discipline from a globally respected university. For Assistant Professors: A strong trajectory of scholarly publications in Q1 Scopus-indexed journals or top-tier conferences, and clear potential for securing research funding and delivering high-quality teaching. For Associate/Full Professors: An internationally established research reputation underpinned by a robust publication record, significant success in obtaining competitive external research grants, and proven academic leadership. Experience in teaching and mentoring at the university level, with a commitment to innovative curriculum design and pedagogical excellence. Previous experience in the supervision and timely completion of Master's and Doctoral students (required for senior ranks). Strong communication skills and fluency in English (the medium of instruction and research). DESIRABLE Demonstrated experience in deep-tech entrepreneurship, intellectual property generation (patents), or startup incubation. Experience conducting applied research in large-scale supercomputing environments. Proven capacity to assume leadership roles in research clusters, academic program innovation, and internationalization efforts. Additional information Conditions of Employment: Initial appointment is on a 3-year renewable contract and will be subject to annual performance reviews. Subsequent appointments can be 5-year/3-year renewable. An attractive remuneration package includes: Internationally competitive salary; Generous research time, research seed grants, and selected conference travel funding; Holiday leave of 56 days per annum; Two flights for the appointee and dependents to their home country per annum; International health insurance; Rent-free housing on or near campus for the appointee and dependents; Assistance for relocation expenses, including airfares for the appointee and dependents, and child education allowance. Application Procedure Candidates should submit the following documents in electronic form (MS Word or PDF file) no later than September 30, 2026: Cover Letter: Specify the rank you are applying for. Explain your interest in joining SCAI at NU and align your qualifications with the high-impact areas mentioned above. Keep it concise (1-2 pages). Detailed Curriculum Vitae: Include contact information, education, professional appointments, teaching/supervision experience, leadership roles, research grants, publications (highlighting top-tier conferences and Q1 journals), patents, and startups. Teaching Statement: A brief document (1-2 pages) describing your teaching philosophy, pedagogical approaches, experience with curriculum design, and commitment to student mentoring. Research Statement: Summarize your research agenda for the next 3–5 years, highlighting past outputs, ongoing collaborations, and alignment with SCAI priorities (1-2 pages). Reference Letters: Names and contact details of three academic/professional referees. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Nazarbayev University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For any inquiries related to the application, the strategic vision of the School, or specific posts, please contact the Dean of the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), Prof. Atakan Varol, at ahvarol@nu.edu.kz.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

10 Aug 2026