Assistant/Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Design)

About the role

Nazarbayev University's School of Engineering and Digital Sciences is recruiting an Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Design within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The department is growing due to rising industry demand for its graduates and has strengthened ties with industry. The successful candidate will lead research and teaching in areas such as mechanical systems design, computer-aided engineering (CAE), design optimisation, computational and applied mechanics, and parametric geometrical modelling.

Key responsibilities

• Lead high-impact research in engineering design supported by industry and government funding.
• 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 and build cross-disciplinary research initiatives.
• Contribute to departmental and university initiatives, academic committees and industry and academic partnerships.

Required profile

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline from a reputable university.
• At least three years of academic experience after the PhD; outstanding candidates with more experience may be appointed at Associate Professor level.
• Proven research record with publications in Q1 journals and research funding.
• Experience supervising postgraduate researchers and leading externally funded projects.
• Professional membership (e.g. IMechE, ASME, FHEA, SFHEA) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and English fluency.

Required skills

• FEA/CAE tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL)
• GD&T, engineering drawings and industry standards
• Evidence of innovative teaching and curriculum development

What we offer

• Competitive salary and a two-course teaching load per semester.
• Generous research time, research seed grants and other funding opportunities.
• International health insurance for the appointee and dependents.
• Expatriate benefits: rent-free housing, two home trips per year and relocation assistance.
• Paid home leave of 56 days per year.
• Initial 3-year renewable contract, then 5-year/3-year renewable subject to annual reviews.

Applications close when the position is filled; they are reviewed from 10 April 2026. Applicants must complete an online form with a cover letter, CV and three referees.