Company DescriptionNazarbayev University (NU) is a leading research-intensive institution established in 2010 with strong support from the government of Kazakhstan and international partners. Since its founding, NU has rapidly emerged as a hub for academic excellence and innovation in Central Asia.In the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, NU was ranked in the top 30% globally, first in Central Asia, and among the top 10 universities in the ASEAN region.NU offers a highly competitive and intellectually vibrant environment. Our students are selected from the best high schools in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. All instruction and research are conducted in English. Most of our faculty and academic leadership are international hires.The Department of Languages, Linguistics and Literatures (LLL) at the School of Sciences and Humanities currently has 13 full-time faculty and seven language instructors representing a variety of disciplines in the domain of languages, linguistics and comparative literature.The LLL Department’s program “World Languages, Literature and Culture (WLLC)” is also integrated into the MA and PhD graduate programs in Eurasian Studies,s and the ideal candidate for the position will have the ability to contribute to graduate teaching and advising.The NU campus is in Astana, the modern and dynamic capital of Kazakhstan, in the heart of its futuristic left-bank district. Faculty enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle enriched by local cultural traditions. The city offers a diverse social life with excellent restaurants, theaters, concert halls, museums, sporting events, and outdoor recreation.Job DescriptionThe Department of Languages, Linguistics and Literature seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar with a research specialization in linguistics or world literature. We seek a candidate with an exemplary record of empirically based research and with either a track record of publication or clear evidence of their potential for research publications. The selected candidate will be committed to excellence in research-integrated teaching, program-building, and student mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, possibly in a wide thematic range. It is expected that the candidate will be able to complement and build off of our department’s diverse strengths, spanning comparative literature and folklore studies, sociolinguistics, typology, morphosyntax, and semantics and pragmatics. Candidates with expertise in statistical or computational research methods are preferred. The geographic area of research is open, but candidates with research interests connected to Kazakhstan or Central Asia are preferred. The successful candidate will be expected to teach a range of courses from introductory to upper level at the undergraduate level as well as graduate level seminars, to supervise BA student capstone theses, and to supervise MA and PhD student thesis and dissertation research.QualificationsPhD in linguistics, literature, or a related field from an accredited and recognized international university· An active research agenda (as evident in peer-reviewed publications or demonstrated ability to publish immediately upon appointment);· Teaching experience at the university level;· Experience in developing new courses and program curricula;· Experience and readiness to supervise undergraduate capstone and graduate thesis projects;· Excellent communication and collaboration skills;· Commitment to maintaining a professional, collegial, and inclusive work environment.Additional InformationResponsibilities include 1/1 teaching load, research and publication, and departmental and school service. The University offers opportunities for research support. This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of a two-year extension.Nazarbayev University offers an internationally competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes:
Internationally competitive salary (commensurate with qualifications and experience)
Free fully furnished housing (based on rank and family size)
Relocation support
International health insurance for faculty and dependents residing in Astana
Education allowance for dependent children residing in Astana
Applicants should send a CV, cover letter with teaching and research statements, names and contact information of three referees, and two samples of written work through this link (https://smrtr.io/tkYbQ). For fullest consideration complete applications must be received by OCTOBER 1st, 2025 (position will be considered open until filled). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.For inquiries regarding this position, please contact Gabriel McGuire (gmcguire@nu.edu.kz)
