The 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.

PhD 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.

Responsibilities 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 ([email protected])