15 Senior Professor Positions, Nazarbayev University

Position: 15 Senior Professor Positions, Nazarbayev University
Location:  Kazakhstan
Application Deadline: 6^th July 2026 

Strategic Global Recruitment Drive to Lead Transformative Research and Innovation 

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 programs, 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. To achieve our ambition of international recognition for research, teaching, student outcomes and societal impact, NU is investing heavily in research capacity, infrastructure, and people. 

The President, Prof Waqar Ahmad, has recruited a world-class academic leadership team, with recent appointments including Prof Rehan Sadiq as Provost (previously Provost and Vice President, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus), Prof Bjorn Birgisson as Vice Provost Research and Innovation (ex-Executive Dean, University of Georgia and former Vice President Research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology), Prof Huck Hui Ng as Vice President Medicine (from his role as Assistant Chief Executive, A*STAR Research Council Singapore), and Prof Sam Smidt PFHEA as Vice Provost Academic Affairs (from her role as Director King’s Academy at King’s College London).

The next focus is on strengthening NU’s research leadership with the recruitment of 15 senior academic leaders at professor level across three domains, which reflect Kazakhstan’s national priorities. 

We invite applications from internationally recognized researchers across three broad strategic domains:

1. Engineering Sciences and Technologies
2. Emerging Information Technologies
3. Health Sciences and Medical Technologies.

These appointments represent a critical step in strengthening the university’s research leadership, building internationally competitive research clusters, and addressing pressing national and global challenges.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a university with state-of-the-art research infrastructure, a rapidly expanding doctoral ecosystem, and strong institutional commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Each role provides the platform to shape and lead high-impact research programs, secure major international funding, develop strategic industry partnerships, and contribute to policy and societal outcomes at both national and regional levels.

We are seeking outstanding individuals with an international research reputation, a strong record of scholarly impact and funding success, and the ability to lead ambitious, interdisciplinary teams.

Specifically, successful candidates will bring not only academic distinction, but also the vision and drive to translate research excellence into real-world impact. They will act as thought leaders within their fields, mentors to the next generation of scholars, and key contributors to NU’s growing global network of research and innovation partnerships.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• ¡ Internationally recognized research and innovation leadership within one of the named domains
• ¡ Strong publication and citation impact
• ¡ A proven track record of competitive grant acquisition
• ¡ Experience of leading interdisciplinary research teams
• ¡ Strong credentials in developing industry-linked research programs
• ¡ A track record of successful supervision of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

These roles offer a rare opportunity to operate at the intersection of academic excellence and national transformation. This is a pivotal moment in NU’s evolution, from a strong regional leader to a globally recognized research powerhouse. For those motivated by the opportunity to build, lead, and make a lasting impact, NU offers an intellectually vibrant, well-resourced, and highly ambitious environment.

If this vision resonates with you, we warmly invite you to explore these opportunities and join us in shaping the next chapter of Nazarbayev University’s journey.

Nazarbayev University has engaged the services of Odgers to assist with these appointments.

For further information on the roles, including a candidate briefing document and details of how to apply, please visit www.odgers.com/nazarbayevprofessorappointments