Research Director and Associate Professor of Law

Academic Unit:          School of Law

Reports to:                 Dean

About Us: KIMEP University School of Law is a distinguished institution dedicated to advancing knowledge, using experiential learning, and fostering a vibrant learning environment. Our Law School is committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, community impact, and producing graduates well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal profession. 

Position Overview: We seek a dynamic and engaged Research Director and Associate Professor of Law to join our faculty. The successful candidate will contribute to our academic community through innovative teaching, impactful research, and service to the university and broader legal community.

As an Associate Professor you will teach courses and conduct research. Because we have a strong international approach to our law school, you will have wide discretion with your research.

We are seeking a dedicated and visionary Research Director to lead our research initiatives and support faculty in their scholarly pursuits. The Research Director will play a pivotal role in enhancing the research profile of the law school, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and facilitating the development of impactful legal scholarship. You will receive a course and research output reduction to account for your service as a Research Director. Be an entrepreneur to forge a one-of-a-kind Central Asian intellectual hub. The position has flexibility. In the future, if your service as Research Director does not align with your goals or the School’s goals, you will become an Associate Professor of Law with full teaching and research expectations. 

Associate Professor of Law Responsibilities:

• Teaching: Deliver high-quality instruction in various law subjects. Develop engaging course materials and assessments.
• Research: Conduct and publish original research in reputable journals. Contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship and engage with contemporary legal issues.
• Service: Participate in faculty meetings, curriculum development, and university governance, and school improvement. Mentor students and support student organizations. Engage in community service and outreach.
• Collaboration: Work with colleagues across disciplines to foster a collaborative academic environment. Participate in academic conferences and workshops.
• Growth: Help the law school grow and innovate, engage in continuous professional development, and use self-reflection.
• Any related duties assigned by the Dean. 

Research Director Responsibilities:

• Research Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive school-wide research agenda that aligns with the law school’s mission and enhances its national and international profile.
• Support Faculty: Provide guidance and support for faculty research projects, including grant applications, publication strategies, and collaboration opportunities.
• Program Development: Organize workshops, seminars, and conferences that promote research activities and foster collaboration among faculty and external scholars.
• Resource Management: Oversee research resources, including databases, archives, and funding opportunities. Ensure faculty and students have access to necessary research tools and support.
• Outreach and Networking: Build relationships with legal practitioners, policymakers, and other academic institutions to enhance research collaborations and funding opportunities.
• Mentorship: Mentor faculty and students in research methodologies and best practices, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation.
• Any related duties assigned by the Dean.  

Qualifications:

• Satisfy Kazakhstan government requirements for employment.
• Terminal degree in law or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant field
• At least 4 years of teaching experience in law or related fields
• A strong record of scholarship demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals or other significant writings
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resourcefulness, self-sufficiency, willingness to embrace change, and ability to think creatively
• Write and speak fluent English
• Preference for strong understanding of current trends and issues in legal research and scholarship
• Preference for a background in library sciences or experience leading team-based research projects
• Preference for proven leadership and organizational skills, with experience in managing research initiatives or academic program. 

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to KIMEP University HR portal: https://hr.kimep.kz/en-US/Home/Vacancy/626 

• A cover letter detailing interest in the position and relevant experience
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement explaining your approach on how to build a school-wide research strategy and how to mentor faculty
• Contact information for three references

Please address any questions to: recruitment@kimep.kz 

Closing dates for submission of applications: October 31, 2024 (GMT +5, Almaty time)

Applications will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and will continue until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be informed and invited for interviews by the search committee.