Assistant/Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Design)

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 Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Design 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 engineering design areas such as mechanical systems design, computer-aided engineering (CAE), design optimisation, computational and applied mechanics, and parametric geometrical modelling.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead high-impact research in engineering design supported by research funding from industry and government.
• Develop strong industrial collaboration in mechanical engineering design.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mechanical engineering and engineering design.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students (MSc/PhD).
• Mentor early-career researchers to foster scholarly development and research productivity.
• Build cross-disciplinary research initiatives within the university and international.
• Contribute to departmental and university initiatives, participate in academic committees, and build partnerships with industry and academic institutions.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline from a reputable university.
• A minimum of three (3) years of academic experience after the PhD.
• Outstanding applicants with exceptional research and academic records along with more years of experience may be considered for appointment at the Associate Professor level.
• 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.
• Experience with FEA/CAE tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL).
• Knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawings, and industry standards.
• 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: essam.shehab@nu.edu.kz

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

https://research.nu.edu.kz/en/organisations/department-of-mechanical-and-aerospace-engineering/

Deadline: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed commencing 10 April 2026.

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.