Open Rank Faculty Position in Mechanical Engineering

Nazarbayev University (NU) 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 boasts world class student experience and enjoys enviable estate and facilities, including outstanding research laboratories.

NU has made remarkable progress in its 15-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.

The School of Engineering and Digital Sciences of Nazarbayev University is inviting outstanding candidate for an Open Rank Faculty Position (Assistant, Associate or Full Professor) in Mechanical Engineering (Maintenance Engineering) within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The high demand from industry for our graduates has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of students enrolled in MAE programs. The department continues to grow and has developed a robust collaboration with the industry.

An ideal candidate will deliver teaching and research related to the broad area of mechanical maintenance engineering such as MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul), System Reliability, and Automated Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for Predictive Maintenance.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead high-impact research in maintenance and asset management systems, supported by research funding from industry and government.
• Develop strong industrial collaboration in maintenance engineering.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in maintenance engineering.
• Mentor early-career researchers and graduate students.
• Build cross-disciplinary research initiatives within the university and international.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline from a reputable university.
• A minimum of five (5) years of academic experience after the PhD.
• Proven a sustained and successful track record of research excellence demonstrated by publications in internationally recognised top-tier (Q1) journals and attracting research funding.
• Experience supervising postgraduate researchers and leading externally funded research projects.
• Evidence of innovative teaching and curriculum development.
• Professional membership (e.g., IMechE, ASME, FHEA, SFHEA) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and English fluency are required.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and 2-course teaching load per semester

• Generous research time

• Research seed grants and other competitive research funding opportunities

• International health insurance for the appointee and dependents

• Expatriate benefits (rent-free housing, home travel (two per annum), assistance for relocation expenses including air fares for the appointee and dependents)

• Paid home leave of 56 days per annum.

Initial appointment is on a 3-year renewable contract and subsequent appointments can be 5-year/3-year renewable subject to annual performance reviews.

For informal discussion about the role, please contact Professor Essam Shehab, Head of Mechanical and Aerospace Department, email: [email protected]

More details about Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department can be found at:

Deadline: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed commencing 25th of November 2025.

Applications require to complete on-line application form accompanied by a cover letter, CV and the contact details of three referees. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review.