Dean of Social Science Division
Lead an internationally recognized social science division at NYU Abu Dhabi with strategic vision and interdisciplinary excellence.
Best for:Best for senior academic leaders with a PhD in social sciences, extensive leadership experience, and a track record of interdisciplinary research and faculty development.
Overview
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) invites a distinguished academic leader to serve as Dean of the Social Science Division. This role involves steering a dynamic community of over 80 faculty members, including a Nobel Laureate, across disciplines such as Economics, Political Science, and Legal Studies. The Dean will drive strategic initiatives in research, education, and faculty development while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and global engagement. The position requires proven leadership, intellectual breadth, and a commitment to advancing academic excellence in a highly international and interdisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will also represent the division’s strengths to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with NYUAD’s mission and global network.
What you'll do
- Provide strategic leadership for the Division of Social Science, including faculty, curricula, and research agendas
- Champion excellence and innovation in research and pedagogy across multiple disciplines
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and accessible academic community within the division
- Recruit, retain, and develop a world-class faculty with diverse expertise
- Enhance interdisciplinary research, scholarship, and creative activity to maximize societal impact
- Engage with the Abu Dhabi and UAE communities to promote research and academic programs
- Represent the division’s strengths to internal and external stakeholders, including NYU’s global network
- Collaborate with other deans and senior administrators to align divisional goals with university-wide priorities
- Build and sustain community at campus, national, and international levels through effective communication and trust-building
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in a social science discipline with a record meriting appointment as a tenured full Professor
Language: English (proficiency at an academic leadership level); Arabic or other regional language is a plus
Instruction: English
Publications: Substantial record of high-impact publications in leading disciplinary and interdisciplinary journals
- Proven academic leadership experience in a social science division or equivalent
- Demonstrated intellectual breadth to guide interdisciplinary research and teaching
- Strong record of research, publication, and teaching excellence
- Ability to inspire and align faculty around a shared vision
- Experience in managing, supporting, and developing faculty and staff
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement
- Familiarity with global academic networks and cross-cultural collaboration
- Open to international candidates with no restrictions on nationality or residency
- No age or prior experience caps; emphasis on leadership track record
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (UTC+4 (Abu Dhabi)) · open until filled
Applications should be submitted via INTERFOLIO. Candidates are required to submit a letter of interest addressing leadership priorities and a current CV. Nominations or inquiries can be directed to NYUAD@perrettlaver.com for initial contact with the executive search firm.
- Letter of interest addressing leadership priorities and themes
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
Contact
Perrett Laver (on behalf of NYUAD)· Executive Search Firm
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