Junior Research Fellow at Strathmore University

Basic job summary:

• The purpose of the Junior Research Fellow is to contribute to the development and delivery of the Institute’s research objectives by undertaking high-quality research, supporting the preparation of research proposals, and evaluating research outcomes. The postholder will plan, coordinate, and implement research activities in accordance with Strathmore University's strategy, policies, and procedures, as well as relevant funder requirements.olve implementing data ingestion frmeworks,

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research Development and Delivery

• Undertake qualitative and quantitative research relating to family studies and bioethics, with a particular focus on Kenya.
• Contribute to the design, planning, and implementation of research projects and programmes.
• Conduct literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, and synthesis of findings.
• Ensure research activities comply with ethical approval requirements and relevant legal and policy frameworks.

Research Coordination and Administration

• Provide administrative support for research grant applications, including assisting with documentation, budgets, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Support the coordination of funded research projects, including record-keeping and monitoring deliverables.
• Assist with the planning and organisation of academic conferences, workshops,
• seminars, and research dissemination events.
• Liaise with internal teams and external partners to support smooth delivery of research activities.

Outputs, Reporting and Impact

• Contribute to research outputs, including academic publications, policy briefs, reports, and presentations.
• Assist in evaluating research outcomes and impact, particularly in relation to family law and bioethics policy in Kenya.
• Support dissemination of research findings through conferences, stakeholder engagement, and public-facing activities.

Academic and Professional Development

• Engage in relevant training and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to the Institute’s research culture and collaborative activities.
• Carry out other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade of the post

Minimum Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in law, social sciences, bioethics, public policy, or a closely related discipline.
• At least three (3) years’ research experience, demonstrated through participation in academic, policy, or applied research projects.
• Proven experience in grant management, including supporting or coordinating funded research projects, reporting, and compliance with funder requirements.
• Demonstrated publication track record, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, policy reports, or other recognised research outputs.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection and analysis.
• Competence in relevant data analysis tools, for example:
• Qualitative: NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA
• Quantitative: SPSS, Stata, R, Excel, or similar statistical software
• Strong academic writing, analytical, and presentation skills.

Experience:

• Applicants should possess Experience in conducting research related to family studies, bioethics, or African (particularly Kenyan) legal and policy contexts
• Experience contributing to multi-disciplinary or international research teams.
• Familiarity with research ethics approval processes and governance frameworks

Competencies and Attributes:

• High level of personal integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, demonstrating initiative and accountability.
• Strong time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work constructively within a team and with external stakeholders