02/02/2026
Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor in Petroleum Engineering
Starting date: July/Aug 2026
We are looking to recruit talented and highly motivated Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor to join our international learning and teaching activities in “Petroleum Engineering with Energy Transition” between Zhubanov University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan and Heriot-Watt University, UK. The successful applicant will be expected to join ZU during summer 2026 (July/August) to start teaching from September 2026. The role will primarily focus on Well Engineering, with an emphasis on Drilling, Production, Field Development Planning, and Field/Well Late-life Management.
Institution Overview
About Heriot-Watt University branch at Zhubanov University
Zhubanov University, with the support of the President of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, has partnered with Heriot-Watt University to establish a new HWU Aktobe Academic Partnership within Zhubanov University in Aktobe, Kazakhstan. This initiative brings HWU's world-class education to Central Asia, offering students the opportunity to earn a prestigious UK degree while studying in Kazakhstan.
About Heriot Watt
Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages.
We also have developed an unsurpassed international in-country presence beyond our campuses, delivering degree programmes to online learners in over 160 countries globally. Combined with campus-based study in Dubai and Malaysia, around two-thirds of our student’s study outside of the UK.
You will deliver teaching and assess undergraduate students for our Petroleum with Transition Engineering (BEng) programme based at Aktobe and engage with Heriot-Watt University international learning partners throughout the globe.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The successful applicant, as part of an active teaching team, will be responsible for the following key activities:
- Teach courses covering topics in Drilling Engineering, Production Engineering, Energy Economics, and field and well late-life management, as well as other relevant areas such as wellbore integrity and well completion.
- Develop and deliver lectures, tutorials, workshops, and laboratories on the above subjects.
- Support undergraduate programs by carrying out assessment and moderation of coursework and examination marking as required.
- Liaise with academic staff at Zhubanov University and Heriot-Watt University and perform discipline-related administrative tasks.
- Contribute to the development of teaching and scholarship in international higher education learning, with a focus on practical, hands-on experiences for students.
- Provide academic guidance to students, fostering their professional and research development.
- Engage in university outreach initiatives, and industry collaboration through student engagement activities
- Contribute to the future research collaborations between Zhubanov University and Heriot-Watt University.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- A higher degree (PhD/MSc) in Petroleum Engineering or other relevant engineering disciplines from a recognized institution.
- Possess breadth and depth of general and specialist knowledge in Well Engineering (Drilling and Production), Energy Economics, field late-life management, and other relevant disciplines.
- Hands-on experience with relevant Petroleum Engineering software (e.g. PIPESIM, Petex IPM Suite, WellFlo, Eclipse and IAM) and lab equipment.
- Possess breadth and depth of general and specialist knowledge of Field Development Planning.
- Experience of teaching in English or working in English language companies.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills, and a proven ability to work in diverse, international teams.
- Enthusiasm for adapting to new teaching methodologies and curricula.
- Demonstrated initiatives in teaching and scholarship.
- Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues across our international partners.
- Ability to work to deadlines.
- Experience in supervising individual or group projects in industry or academia.
Desirable
- A PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering or other relevant engineering disciplines.
- Experience in working with virtual learning environments, e.g. Canvas, and other educational technology
- Experience of developing/delivering innovative assessment practice
- Appropriate academic or industry experience in Petroleum Engineering.
- Experience of teaching in a higher education environment in English.
- Experience of mentoring students.
- Experience of assessing students' work and providing feedback.
- Demonstrate an interest in the wider energy sector, including sustainable and low-carbon energy systems.
- Experience in application of subsurface resources for energy transition (e.g. for CO2 storage).
- Experience in performing independent research.
- Experience in preparing research proposals.
- Experience in working in and contributing to a multidisciplinary research team.
- Involvement in supervising research projects and applications for external funding for research and/or knowledge transfer.
- A track record of high-quality research publications.
- A deep understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies that contribute to student success.
What We Offer
- Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive training and support in HWU teaching methods and curricula.
- Opportunities for professional development and international collaboration across HWU campuses.
- A vibrant, multicultural academic environment at the intersection of Eastern and Western educational traditions.
Join us in this exciting opportunity to elevate Petroleum Engineering education on a global stage. Your expertise will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of petroleum engineers in Kazakhstan and beyond, fostering the development and management of oil and gas resources while supporting the energy transition. You will be fully supported by Heriot-Watt University's established educational framework and international network.
This position represents a unique chance to be part of a transformative educational partnership that has received support at the highest levels of government in Kazakhstan, demonstrating the national commitment to world-class education and international collaboration.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit
- A detailed CV including all academic qualifications, relevant industry experience, and teaching experience (clearly indicating undergraduate and/or postgraduate level), with corresponding dates, together with a full list of publications.
- a cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post (teaching and/or professional experience)
Email: hr@zhubanov.edu.kz
If you have any questions regarding the announcement, contact HR of HWU Aktobe Campus a.myrzekenova@hw.ac.uk.