Dean

Position: Dean, School of Engineering, Nazarbayev University
Location:  Kazakhstan

Nazarbayev University is a modern institution that combines international standards with a distinctive Kazakh identity, dedicated to academic excellence and innovation. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, NU aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes, NU features world-class academic schools, rigorous and exciting curricula, and internationally competitive research that advances disciplines and contributes to the development of Kazakhstan and the wider region.

NU has made remarkable progress in its fifteen-year history, attracting students whose credentials match those required by top universities globally. With a strong foundation in research, teaching, and engagement, NU is now accelerating its journey toward global recognition. Our ambition is to be ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide by 2030.

To support this vision, NU’s President, Professor Waqar Ahmad, has recently made a number of key appointments to the senior team: Professor Rehan Sadiq, who has joined as our new Provost from the University of British Columbia, where he served as Provost of the Okanagan Campus; and Professor Bjorn Birgisson, who brings senior leadership experience from Europe and North America, and has joined as Vice Provost for Research and Innovation from the University of Georgia. Additionally Prof Huck Hui Ng has joined us as Vice President Medicine (from his role as Assistant Chief Executive, A*STAR Research Council Singapore), and Prof Sam Smidt as Vice Provost Academic Affairs (Director King’s Academy at King’s College London and previously a Pro Vice-Provost at University College London).

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to shape the future of engineering at NU, as our new Dean of the School of Engineering.

The role:

As Dean of the School of Engineering, you will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for one of NU’s most important and rapidly evolving academic units. You will lead a comprehensive suite of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes across core and emerging engineering fields, ensuring they meet global standards while addressing national priorities.

A key part of your mission will be to strengthen the school’s research profile, driving excellence in high‑impact research, innovation, and industry collaboration. You will oversee curriculum development, accreditation and quality assurance processes, faculty recruitment and development, and the enhancement of student learning and graduate outcomes.

Building strategic partnerships with leading global universities and industry partners will be central to your role, as will representing NU in international academic and professional fora.

The ideal candidate:

NU is seeking a distinguished academic with a substantial record of achievement and leadership in a research‑intensive engineering environment. You should have the academic credentials for appointment as a Full Professor, a strong research portfolio and successful experience in senior academic leadership at the level of Dean, Associate/Vice Dean, Department Chair, or equivalent.

You will bring a record of curriculum innovation, research leadership, quality assurance, and accreditation (such as ABET or equivalent), as well as experience working with industry partners on research, innovation, and workforce-aligned education.  

Nazarbayev University has engaged the services of Odgers to assist with this appointment.

Application Deadline: 31st May 2026

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