Job Description
Position Summary
The founding Dean of the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence will provide visionary academic and strategic leadership for the School. The Dean will guide the establishment of SCAI as a world-class academic unit, responsible for academic excellence, faculty recruitment, research development, innovation ecosystems, and global partnerships. Working closely with the Provost and University leadership, the Dean will oversee the School’s growth in faculty recruitment, research programs, innovation, education, and industry engagement. The University is launching a global campaign to recruit 10 full professors, several of which will be associated with SCAI.
The Dean will directly report to the Provost of Nazarbayev University.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Provide strategic vision and leadership for the development and growth of the School.
- Establish SCAI as a globally competitive center of excellence in AI, computing, robotics data science and applied mathematics.
- Develop and implement a long-term academic and research strategy aligned with the University’s mission.
Academic Excellence
- Lead the development of innovative undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in computing and AI.
- Ensure the highest standards of teaching, curriculum design, and student learning outcomes.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and adoption of AI in program delivery across NU’s academic schools.
Faculty Recruitment and Development
- Recruit and retain world-class faculty.
- Foster a collaborative academic culture that promotes research excellence and innovation.
- Support faculty development (including fellowships of Advance HE), mentoring, and research productivity.
Research and Innovation
- Develop major research initiatives in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, intelligent systems and applied mathematics.
- Promote interdisciplinary research programs and global collaborations.
- Attract significant research funding from government, industry, and international partners.
Industry and Global Engagement
- Build partnerships with global technology companies and research institutes.
- Promote technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and startup development.
- Position NU as a regional hub for AI innovation and digital transformation.
- Independently and jointly with research, industry and governmental partners, engage in developing AI tools to address national and regional priorities.
Institutional Leadership
- Contribute to the broader strategic leadership of Nazarbayev University.
- Strengthen NU’s global reputation and academic standing.
Qualifications
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be an internationally respected scholar and leader with a strong record of academic achievement in computing or artificial intelligence.
Required qualifications include:
- PhD in Computer Science or Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field
- A distinguished research record suitable for appointment as Full Professor in a high-ranked research-intensive university
- Significant academic leadership experience (e.g., department chair, research director, associate dean, or dean)
- Demonstrated success in faculty recruitment, research development, and academic program building
- Experience in building industry partnerships and innovation ecosystems
- A strong commitment to international collaboration and academic excellence.
Experience in leading interdisciplinary AI research initiatives will be highly desirable.
Other Requirements
- Ability to travel internationally and organize working hours to meet the demands of the role.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and operate with a high level of professional integrity.
Additional Information
Why Join Nazarbayev University?
Nazarbayev University offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly developing research university in a dynamic national context. The University provides:
- Competitive international salary and benefits package
- Research funding and startup support
- Modern research infrastructure and laboratories
- Opportunities to recruit outstanding international faculty
- A growing ecosystem for innovation and technology development
- A multicultural academic environment with English as the language of instruction.
Astana is a modern and vibrant capital city with excellent infrastructure, international schools, and a high quality of life.
Application Information
The position is open until May 15, 2026. Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter addressing qualifications and leadership vision for the new School.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Names and contact information for three professional references (at least one being a current or former supervisor).
Employment at Nazarbayev University is subject to verification of academic credentials and compliance with institutional policies. Nazarbayev University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds. The University is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that supports excellence in research and education.