Chair of the Department of Biology at the School of Sciences and Humanities

Nazarbayev University was launched in 2010 as a premier national and regional university,

partnering with some of the most internationally recognized names in higher education. The

School of Science and Humanities (SSH) partner is the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Admission to NU is highly competitive, and the student body is selected from the top high

schools throughout the country and region. SSH programs emphasize student-oriented learning, with a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 15:1. The language of instruction is English.

VISION:

To give Kazakhstan and the world the scientists, academics, managers and entrepreneurs they need to prosper and develop.

MISSION:

To be a model for higher education reform and modern research in Kazakhstan and to contribute to the establishment of Astana as an international innovation and knowledge hub.

The NU campus is located in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in the heart of the new and ultra-modern Left-Bank region of the city. Incoming faculty will enjoy a cosmopolitan living experience, interwoven with traditional cultural influences in food and entertainment. The social life offers a rich and vibrant atmosphere with excellent clubs and restaurants, theatre, music, opera, dancing, museums, modern and traditional bazaar shopping, professional and amateur sports, outdoor recreation, and much more.

The Department of Biology in the School of Sciences and Humanities at Nazarbayev

University (Astana, Kazakhstan) is seeking a full-time Chair to lead the Department in developing and implementing a comprehensive research vision and teaching excellence. The Chair will be responsible for supporting the Department's ongoing efforts to increase research outcomes, strengthen the existing degree programs, and improve its international reputation. The Chair will provide leadership toward achieving exemplary teaching, research and service. The Department of Biology has a strong undergraduate program, a M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, and an earned Ph.D. program. Separate research laboratories, comprehensive and modern core facilities, and a new vivarium building that was opened in 2024 further support the Department's strengths in biomedicine and cell biology. The Chair will seek synergetic and interdisciplinary teaching and research collaborations with other departments and schools within the university, as well as local and international universities.

The Chair will maintain a teaching and research program commensurate with current

University strengths and will advance the Biology Department's role within the School of Sciences and Humanities, as well as within Nazarbayev University community. Successful candidates should hold a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in a biology-related discipline, and academic experience at the Full Professor rank with demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, service, and leadership. Prior experience in administration is desirable. As Chair of the Department, the successful candidate will serve on the School's Executive Committee and represent the interests of the Department in various academic activities of the School. The Chair is also expected to maintain her/his own research activities.

Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their qualifications and vision for the

department, a detailed CV including a list of publications, the funding track record, and research and teaching statements. Interested candidates are encouraged to find out more about the Department of Biology and the School of Sciences and Humanities at our website The strengths of other schools of the university can be found at

‍‍What we offer:

· Competitive salary and 2-course teaching load per semester

· Generous research time

· Research seed grants and other competitive research funding opportunities

· Selected conference and travel funding

• Expatriate benefits:

• International health insurance

• housing based on family size and rank

• relocation allowance

• air tickets to home country, twice per year

• no-cost medical insurance with global coverage

• educational allowance for children

• 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.

Successful appointments are expected to begin in August, 2024. Additional information can be found on our website ).