Dean of Social Science

The Opportunity

New York University Abu Dhabi is looking for an accomplished scholar and forward-thinking academic leader to become the next Dean of the Division of Social Science. This is a significant chance to help guide a thriving division during an important stage in the university’s development. The Dean will lead a diverse community of scholars working on foundational and applied research addressing major contemporary issues such as inequality, governance, and social change, all within an internationally connected and interdisciplinary setting.

The Division

The Division of Social Science includes more than 80 full-time faculty members, among them a Nobel Prize winner in Economics, along with an active post-doctoral research community in Economics, Political Science, Social Research & Public Policy, Business Organizations & Society, and Legal Studies. It offers five undergraduate majors and graduate-level programs. Faculty members produce research of global caliber that is both methodologically strong and internationally relevant, with partnerships across continents and close engagement with policy and practice in the UAE and elsewhere. The division is well known for its academic strength: Economics at NYUAD is ranked 4th in Asia in Research Papers in Economics, and Political Science is ranked 6th worldwide in a recent study. Faculty regularly appear in leading journals across their disciplines and across interdisciplinary fields.

The incoming Dean will have a strong platform to build on this progress by further strengthening graduate education, interdisciplinary work, and the division’s visibility in teaching and research both locally and internationally.

About NYU Abu Dhabi

Created through a partnership between New York University and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi is a distinctive achievement in international higher education. Since opening in 2010, it has become one of the most selective universities globally, with a 2025 admit rate of 2.7%. It draws students from more than 120 countries and has produced 24 Rhodes Scholars. Its faculty body of more than 370 includes four Nobel laureates, spanning five divisions: Arts and Humanities, Science, Engineering, Social Science, and Stern at NYUAD. Faculty are recruited from leading institutions around the world. NYUAD’s teaching and research are closely connected to NYU’s global network, creating opportunities for collaboration and mobility across New York and Shanghai.

The Role

The Dean reports to the Provost and is a core member of NYUAD’s senior leadership team. As the chief academic officer for the division, this leader will set strategy for faculty, curriculum, and research priorities, while advancing excellence and innovation in scholarship and teaching. The position also requires active stewardship of a collaborative and accessible academic culture and strong representation of the division’s strengths to internal and external partners.

As a member of senior administration, the Dean must work constructively and respectfully with other deans and with academic and administrative leaders. The role also requires close collaboration with faculty across the institution. Success in this position depends on consistent two-way communication, relationship-building, trust, and the ability to strengthen community at campus, national, and international levels.

Key Priorities and Opportunities

• Attracting, keeping, and supporting a strong faculty body that is collaborative and highly engaged.
• Deepening interdisciplinary research, scholarship, and creative work across the division.
• Advancing academic programs that increase both excellence and societal contribution.
• Building meaningful engagement with the Abu Dhabi and wider UAE community.
• Promoting the mission, values, and vision of NYUAD and the NYU global network.

The Candidate

Applicants should hold a PhD in a social science discipline and have a record of research, publication, and teaching that would support appointment as a tenured full Professor at NYUAD. The ideal candidate will be a globally respected scholar with substantial leadership experience and the intellectual range needed to guide a multi-disciplinary division. They should pair academic distinction with sound judgment, the ability to motivate others around a shared direction, and strong experience in leading, supporting, and developing faculty and staff.

Application Process

NYUAD is working with the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Nominations and general inquiries may be directed to NYUAD@perrettlaver.com.

Applications must be submitted through Interfolio. Candidates are asked to provide:

• A letter of interest that directly responds to the leadership priorities and themes outlined in the profile.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé.

The search will remain open throughout the 2025–2026 academic year until the position is filled, and the selected candidate is expected to start no later than September 2027.

Equal Opportunity and Community Values

NYUAD is an equal opportunity employer. The university welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and seeks individuals who will help strengthen the excellence and energy of its academic community. Belonging and respect are central to NYUAD’s values and to its commitment to excellence. The university emphasizes multidisciplinary research and outstanding teaching within a global campus environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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