Dean of Social Science

InsideHigherEd; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 550,000 - 735,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious global university in Abu Dhabi seeks a Dean of the Division of Social Science. The Dean will lead a dynamic academic division, providing strategic leadership for faculty, curricula, and research. Candidates should hold a PhD, have proven leadership experience, and be internationally recognized scholars. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the Division's direction and engage with the UAE community.

Qualifications

• Internationally recognized scholar with proven leadership experience.
• Record of research, publication, and teaching that merits appointment as a tenured full professor.
• Ability to inspire others around a shared vision and manage diverse faculty.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for faculty, curricula, and research agenda.
• Enhance interdisciplinary research, scholarship, and creative activity.
• Engage the Abu Dhabi and UAE community.

Skills

Leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Research excellence

Education

PhD in a social science discipline

Job description

The Opportunity

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks an accomplished scholar and visionary leader to serve as its next Dean of the Division of Social Science. This is a rare opportunity to shape a dynamic academic division at a pivotal moment in the university’s evolution. The Dean will lead a vibrant community of scholars who advance foundational and applied research on some of the most pressing issues of our time – ranging from inequality, governance, and social change – within a highly international and interdisciplinary environment.

The Division

The Social Science Division is home to over 80 full‑time faculty, including a Nobel laureate in economics and a vibrant community of post‑doctoral researchers in economics, political science, social research & public policy, business organizations & society, and legal studies. The Division offers five undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs. Faculty conduct world‑class research that is both theoretically rigorous and globally engaged, with collaborations spanning every continent and close ties to policy and practice in the UAE and beyond. The Division’s research strength is internationally recognized – economics at NYUAD ranks 4th in Asia in research papers, and political science ranks 6th globally according to a recent study. Its faculty regularly publish in leading disciplinary and interdisciplinary journals.

The Dean has a unique opportunity to capitalize on this momentum: building on the Division’s existing strengths in graduate education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the global and local visibility of its research and teaching.

About NYU Abu Dhabi

Founded in partnership with New York University and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, NYUAD is an extraordinary achievement in global higher education. Since opening in 2010, it has become one of the most selective universities in the world with a 2025 admit rate of 2.7 percent, enrolling students from over 120 countries. NYU Abu Dhabi has produced 24 Rhodes scholars. Its more than 370 faculty members include four Nobel laureates. The faculty are situated across five divisions spanning arts and humanities, science, engineering, social science, and Stern at NYUAD. They are drawn from leading institutions worldwide. NYUAD’s research and teaching are deeply integrated with NYU’s global network, offering opportunities for collaboration and mobility across New York and Shanghai.

The Role

The Dean reports to the Provost and serves as a key member of NYUAD’s senior leadership team. As the Division’s chief academic officer, the Dean will provide strategic leadership for its faculty, curricula, and research agenda, championing excellence and innovation in both research and pedagogy. The role also carries significant responsibility for fostering an accessible and collaborative academic community and for representing the Division’s strengths to partners within and beyond NYU.

As part of the senior administration, the Dean must work effectively and collegially with other deans as well as academic and administrative leaders. The Dean must be committed to two‑way communication, fostering trust, and building community at the campus, national, and international levels.

Specifically, the Dean will be a catalyst in addressing the following key challenges and opportunities for the Division:

• Recruiting and retaining an excellent, collaborative, and engaged faculty
• Enhancing interdisciplinary research, scholarship, and creative activity
• Delivering programs that maximize the excellence and societal impact of NYUAD
• Engaging the Abu Dhabi and UAE community
• Cultivating and promoting the values and vision of NYUAD and the NYU Global Network

Qualifications

Candidates should hold a PhD in a social science discipline and possess a record of research, publication, and teaching that merits appointment as a tenured full professor at NYUAD. They will be internationally recognized scholars with proven leadership experience and intellectual breadth to guide a diverse division covering multiple disciplines. The successful candidate will combine academic distinction with sound judgment and the ability to inspire others around a shared vision, while demonstrating strong leadership in managing, supporting, and developing faculty and staff.

Application Instructions

NYUAD is being supported by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. For nominations or to learn more, please contact [e-mail]. Formal applications should be made via INTERFOLIO.

Required Documents

• A letter of interest that addresses specifically the leadership priorities and themes described in the profile;
• A current curriculum vitae or resume;

The search will continue throughout the 2025‑2026 academic year until an appointment is made, with the expectation that the selected candidate will begin no later than September 2027.

NYUAD is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the University’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.