Associate Professor / Professor in Early Childhood Education

Associate Professor / Professor in Early Childhood Education

Sharjah Education Academy invites applications for a full-time Associate Professor or Professor in Early Childhood Education.

We are seeking an accomplished academic with an established record of teaching excellence, research achievement, and academic leadership to contribute to the continued development of our academic programmes and research activities.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative academic environment focused on preparing professionals to work effectively with young children aged 0–8. The post holder will contribute to the design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous enhancement of academic programmes, ensuring that teaching and professional preparation are informed by current research, innovative pedagogies, and the evolving needs of early childhood education.

The role will involve teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervising and mentoring students, and contributing to curriculum development and programme review. The post holder will also be expected to strengthen SEA’s research profile through high-quality scholarly publications, externally funded research, and collaboration with academic and professional partners.

In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to the Academy’s academic life through programme leadership, academic governance, accreditation, quality assurance, and institutional development. Building strong relationships with schools, early childhood centres, government entities, professional organizations, and other relevant stakeholders will be an important aspect of the role, supporting collaborative research and the translation of evidence into educational practice.

The post holder will be expected to contribute to the development of the early childhood education sector in the UAE and the wider region through research, consultancy, professional development, and engagement with the education community.

About You

• You will be an accomplished academic with an earned PhD in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Studies and a strong academic background relevant to the position.
• You will have a record of university-level teaching, curriculum development, and student supervision, together with the ability to prepare and support professionals working with young children aged 0–8.
• You will demonstrate a sustained record of scholarly research and publications in reputable, internationally recognized, Scopus-indexed journals. You will also be able to demonstrate research quality and impact through your scholarly contributions, relevant research metrics, and experience in developing collaborative research projects. Experience in securing competitive external research funding will be an advantage.
• Candidates must have an academic record commensurate with appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
• Applicants for the rank of Associate Professor or Professor should demonstrate a sustained record of research excellence, academic leadership, and significant scholarly and professional contributions appropriate to professorial appointment.
• You will also bring the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and external partners, contribute to academic programme development and quality enhancement, and support the Academy’s strategic priorities.
• Experience in international research collaboration, interdisciplinary projects, accreditation, and institutional development will be particularly valuable.
• Excellent proficiency in English is essential, while proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable given SEA’s bilingual academic and professional environment.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• An earned PhD in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Studies.
• A bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Studies, or a closely related field relevant to the position.
• A PhD awarded by a university ranked among the top 400 institutions in the latest applicable QS World University Rankings.
• A record of academic achievement appropriate to appointment at Associate Professor or Professor level.
• A strong record of publications in reputable, Scopus-indexed journals.
• Demonstrated experience in university-level teaching, curriculum development, and student supervision.
• Evidence of academic and professional engagement with relevant educational institutions, organizations, or external stakeholders.
• Experience in externally funded research, a strong research profile evidenced by appropriate metrics such as the H-index, international collaboration, and academic programme leadership will strengthen an application.

What We Offer

SEA offers a competitive employment package commensurate with academic rank and relevant experience.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position and their contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership.
• A detailed curriculum vitae should include:
• Academic qualifications, appointments, teaching experience, publications, research grants, supervision, and professional engagement.
• Research profile highlighting Scopus-indexed publications, research impact, relevant bibliometric indicators, and externally funded research projects.
• Teaching statement outlining their teaching philosophy, approach to student learning and supervision, and a list of courses previously taught.
• Contact details for two academic or professional referees.

Additional Note

• Candidates must hold an earned PhD at the time of application. Applications that do not meet the essential qualification requirements may not be considered.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview as soon as practicable. Early applications are encouraged. Recruitment will remain open until the position is filled, unless otherwise specified in the official vacancy listing.
• To apply: Please submit the complete application package through the designated SEA recruitment channel or as instructed in the official vacancy listing (Email to: careers@sea.ac.ae)