Dean, Research and Post Graduate Studies at Zetech University

Job Objective

The objective of this position is to provide strategic leadership in research, grant writing, innovation, and postgraduate studies, positioning the University as an industry leader in these areas. The aim is to create impact through knowledge dissemination while strengthening the Universitys research profile and promoting research funding.

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor- Academics, Research and Student affairs, the position holder will be responsible for the following, amongst others:

• Provide leadership and coordination of research, innovation and postgraduate studies promoting research excellence, innovation, publications and external research funding.
• Develop and implement innovation hubs and research centers
• Promote postgraduate programmes, student progression, supervision and timely completion.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations with industry, academia and research institutions. Experience and networks with the industry and with institutions like IUCEA, AAU, ACU, international universities among others is advantageous.
• Support development of policies, systems and frameworks for innovation, research, research funding and postgraduate education.
• Establish the research-to-commercialisation master plan and oversee the formation of startups and spinoffs.
• Oversee the growth of the University journals.
• Promote a strong research culture across the University.
• Initiate and coordinate multidisciplinary research projects and initiatives.
• Facilitate the dissemination of research findings.
• Initiate, implement and coordinate capacity building for faculty and postgraduate students on research & grant proposals writing. 
• Develop and implement student and staff mentorship programmes in research, innovation and grant proposal writing. 
• Secure funding locally and internationally to support, research initiatives, and postgraduate scholarships. (demonstrable research grants, 
• Facilitate the Deans of Schools in sustaining high academic standards in postgraduate programs including ensuring quality standards in research, thesis writing, and publication of research works for postgraduate students. 
• Initiate, implement and coordinate projects in the innovation ecosystem.
• Facilitate the inclusion of Community Based Organisations in attaining the priority Sustainable Development Goals.
• Coordinate the activities of the Board of Postgraduate Studies and serve as its secretary.
• Position the University in research, innovation and entrepreneurial education.

Qualification and experience

• PhD from an accredited university. 
• At least three (3) years teaching at the level of a Lecturer or 6 (six) years in industry practice post PhD qualification. 
• Experience and interest and with demonstrable significant success and achievements in the areas of research and grant-writing, having served as Principal Investigator in major grants. 
• Has supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students to completion. 
• Demonstrable engagement in Community Based Organisations, fundraising and community service. 
• An active and up to date research profile demonstrated by recent publications in peer reviewed journals, patents, copyrights, books, book chapters and other publications, attendance and contribution at academic conferences, seminars or workshops among others. 
• Knowledge, experience and demonstratable achievement in intellectual property management including in patents. 
• Must have experience working with global and local funding bodies such as National Research Fund, Kenya National Innovation Agency, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, European Union, Gates Foundation, Master Card, world bank, Welcome Trust, IDRC and among others.  
• Has demonstrable leadership skills having successfully led multidisciplinary teams and had administrative experience. 
• Registered by a relevant professional Body.