Company Description

Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education (NUGSE) invites applications from eligible candidates to join our international faculty and contribute to our vision of becoming a world-class centre for teaching and research in education, specifically school education. In response to ongoing growth, NUGSE seeks to hire an Assistant Professor in School Education.

Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, Kazakhstan, is a new Western-style, English-medium institution founded with the support of leading partner universities from around the world. It ranks #1 in Central Asia and the Caucasus region, #4 in CIS countries, and 401-500 in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026. The Graduate School of Education ranks among the top 176-200 universities in the world in the field of education. The university is only 15 years old. For more information, please visit our official website: nu.edu.kz.

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). As we continue to grow, NUGSE currently 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 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.

Job Description

Selection Criteria for Assistant Professor

The successful applicant will hold a doctoral degree in education, preferably in school education or a related field, with a demonstrated research trajectory in one or more of the following areas of school education: school leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, assistive technology, rural schools, policy and governance. The candidate should present an appropriate scholarly portfolio that includes peer-reviewed publications, grant-funded projects, and evidence of effective teaching, including experience in designing and delivering evidence-based instruction in higher education.

ESSENTIAL

1. A PhD in a relevant discipline (preferably in school education or educational leadership)
2. Experience in teaching postgraduate programmes, including course design and master’s student research supervision; ability to teach in face-to-face, online, and blended settings.
3. Scholarly research underpinned by publications in peer-reviewed journals, knowledge translation expertise, and success in obtaining research grants.
4. Positive engagement with research, community, industry and government to enhance the national standing of the discipline within the education sector
5. Demonstrated capacity for teaching, research, and managing research projects.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues.
7. Thorough understanding of international conventions, frameworks, and policies concerning education, such as Sustainable Development Goals SDG4.

DESIRABLE

1. Membership in relevant professional associations.
2. Potential to contribute to the long-term development of the academic and research environment at NUGSE.
3. Knowledge of Kazakhstan and/or Central Asia/post-Soviet contexts.
4. Supervision/mentoring of master’s students.

Qualifications

Application Procedure

To apply, please send a cover letter, a document addressing the selection criteria and a detailed CV, together with the names and contact details of two referees, online at https://smrtr.io/63_52 no later than 23 May 2026.

Review of applications begins on May 25, 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. Zoom/Skype interviews for shortlisted applicants will be scheduled during May/June, 2026.

Informal enquiries about specific posts can be addressed to Mir Afzal Tajik (Vice-Dean NUGSE) at [email protected]

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;
• 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.