Sample Job Description · International Higher Education Faculty · Dubai, UAE

Expatriate Professor, Teaching and Research

LocationDubai, UAE
Position TypeFull-Time / Expat Faculty
EducationPhD Required
SectorHigher Education
📍  Dubai, UAE  ·  Prestigious Academic Institution  ·  Full Relocation, Housing, and Visa Support Provided

A World-Class Academic Environment in Dubai

A prestigious academic institution in Dubai, UAE, is seeking an Expatriate Professor in Teaching and Research to enhance its faculty with experienced international academics. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovative research, the institution provides a multicultural, intellectually stimulating environment that fosters professional growth and genuine cross-cultural collaboration.

Dubai has become one of the most significant hubs for international higher education in the Middle East. As the city attracts global talent, builds world-class infrastructure, and positions itself as a knowledge economy, its universities are investing seriously in faculty depth, research capacity, and academic reputation. For an experienced professor ready to engage with an international academic community in a dynamic and rapidly evolving city, this is a genuinely distinctive opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Instruction

  • Deliver high-quality undergraduate and graduate courses in the relevant discipline, utilizing innovative and evidence-based teaching methods to foster student engagement, critical thinking, and applied learning.
  • Design and maintain course materials that reflect current developments in the field and meet international academic standards, with sensitivity to the multicultural student population.
  • Maintain availability for student consultation, provide timely and constructive feedback on assessed work, and contribute to a supportive and rigorous learning environment.

Research and Scholarship

  • Undertake high-impact research within the discipline, publishing findings in peer-reviewed academic journals and presenting work at leading international conferences.
  • Develop and actively pursue external research funding through grants, industry partnerships, and collaborative research initiatives at national and international levels.
  • Engage with the institution’s research strategy and contribute to the development of a collaborative and productive research culture within the department.

Student Supervision and Mentorship

  • Provide mentorship and academic guidance to students at undergraduate and graduate levels, including supervision of research projects, dissertations, and theses.
  • Support students in their academic and professional development, helping them navigate the demands of higher education and prepare for careers in the discipline.

Curriculum and Program Development

  • Participate actively in curriculum design and the development of academic programs, ensuring alignment with international standards, institutional priorities, and the evolving needs of the discipline.
  • Contribute to program review processes, accreditation preparation, and the continuous improvement of course content and learning outcomes.

Community Engagement and Service

  • Actively contribute to the institution’s mission through public outreach, community engagement, and collaboration with local and international academic and industry partners.
  • Participate in departmental and university governance including committee service, faculty meetings, and strategic planning initiatives as required.
  • Represent the institution at academic conferences, industry forums, and community events to strengthen its profile and external relationships.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education
PhD in the relevant discipline or a closely related field from an accredited research institution required. The doctoral qualification should reflect a strong research foundation appropriate to the teaching and scholarship expectations of the role.
Teaching Experience
A minimum of three or more years of teaching experience at the university level, with a demonstrated record of effective and innovative instruction at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Experience designing and delivering courses in a multicultural academic environment is advantageous.
Research Excellence
Proven track record of research achievement and publications in reputable peer-reviewed academic journals. Experience securing external research funding, supervising graduate students, and building collaborative research relationships with industry or academic partners.
Cultural Adaptability and Language
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a diverse, multicultural academic environment. Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage but not mandatory.

What the Institution Offers

Salary
Competitive tax-free salary commensurate with experience and academic rank.
Housing
Furnished housing or a generous housing allowance provided for the duration of the appointment.
Healthcare
Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the faculty member and eligible dependents.
Airfare
Annual round-trip international airfare for the faculty member and eligible family members.
Leave and Holidays
Generous paid annual leave and public holidays aligned with the UAE academic calendar.
Education Allowance
Education allowance for dependent children attending accredited schools in Dubai, subject to institutional policy.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and early submissions are encouraged.

  1. Cover letter outlining teaching philosophy, research interests, and motivation for the Dubai appointment.
  2. Curriculum vitae detailing academic qualifications, teaching experience, research output, and professional history.
  3. List of publications and representative samples of scholarly work or evidence of teaching effectiveness.
  4. Contact information for three professional references who can speak to both teaching effectiveness and research contributions.
  5. Copies of academic transcripts and relevant certifications.

Dubai offers something that is genuinely rare in academic life — the chance to build something from a position of institutional ambition, rather than institutional inertia. That is a meaningful difference for a faculty member with something to contribute.

Retained Search by Excelon Associates

Excelon Associates is a retained executive search firm headquartered in Asheville, NC, with additional offices in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, FL. Our higher education practice supports international faculty recruitment across the Middle East and globally, placing professors, associate professors, program directors, and academic leaders at universities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. Since 2007 we have placed faculty and academic leaders at institutions in the United States and internationally.

For institutions advancing academic excellence and global faculty recruitment in the UAE and across the Middle East, Excelon Associates is a trusted recruitment partner. Reach out to start a confidential conversation, or browse our full sample job descriptions library for related international faculty and higher education roles.

Hiring Expatriate Faculty in Dubai or the UAE?

Excelon Associates recruits international expat faculty and academic leaders for higher education institutions across Dubai, the UAE, and the Middle East. Headquartered in Asheville, NC. Retained search since 2007.