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Associate Dean, Research

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. Aga Khan University generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) -  (https://the.akdn/en/home)

About the Aga Khan University Medical College’s Research Office
Aga Khan University Medical College’s Research Office aims to inculcate a rich scientific research culture which impacts on delivery of clinical and population health services in the East Africa region. Our broad overarching research theme of “socio-economic determinants of health” accommodates diverse interests and sustainable collaborations across academic and service disciplines for superior impact. The Research Office is central to achieving our medical research goals as we nurture the research potential of our faculty and trainees within the College and the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The Office is working to develop a strong research resource base to support residents’ dissertations and faculty research. It also coordinates research grants, ethical and scientific reviews, identification of research funding and collaboration opportunities, and maintenance of research inventory.  The Office strives to create Continuing Medical Education opportunities for the faculty community.

Job Summary
The Aga Khan University is looking for a highly visionary individual to fill the position of Associate Dean, Research. Reporting to the Dean, Medical College, the Associate Dean will provide strategic leadership and advice to the Deans of the Medicine College and School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM) in relation to research matters. The Associate Dean, Research will provide management and operational support for the research activities of the faculty. He/she will work closely with the AKU Vice Provost, Research to ensure that the strategic directions of the Medical College and SONAM in East Africa are consistent with the overall university direction and that faculty members comply with university policies regarding research and graduate studies.  He/she will also work closely and collaboratively with faculty, department chairs, and staff, representing the Medical College and SONAM with internal and external constituencies.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to strategic planning activities of the faculty and the broader Aga Khan University (AKU);
  • Support the development of university and faculty research areas of focus and provide research and oversight for Research Committee;
  • Establish specific focus on strategic interdisciplinary opportunities for research ensuring that both nursing and medicine are equally valued;
  • Participate in the University Ethics review, and ensure compliance with research ethics of faculty;
  • Develop and update core research shared infrastructure, and cross-discipline research mentorship activities;
  • Facilitate development of institutional grant awards, as well as trainee and faculty application to research training awards; 
  • Build interface activities that bridge clinical care and applied research within the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N) and Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa;  
  • Build opportunity with AKDN programmatic funding. Identify key national and international liaisons and partnerships; and
  • Build collaborative joint degree programmes with national or international partners as appropriate, and advance development of interdisciplinary graduate programmes.

Requirements

  • Be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in in Health Sciences, and Post-Graduate degree in the relevant field;
  • Shall be a recognized specialist in that area of training, or possess a PhD over and above a Master’s degree;
  • Be at least an Associate Professor and above;
  • Have experience as a successful administrative leader at an academic institution and should have served as a division chief, vice chair, or chair who has developed academic leaders, mentored and developed junior faculty, and identified and recruited diverse students, trainees, staff and faculty;
  • Have practical experience and demonstrable understanding of the budgeting and budget implementation; 
  • Ability to define the research vision for the Medical College and SONAM and to provide basic research and grant mentorship and experience leading a successful research program, either population-based basic science or data science with proven record of significant growth in funding, publications and national or international reputation is essential for this position;
  • Have national reputation for personal academic accomplishments with a record of scholarly academic accomplishments as reflected in number and impact of publications, history of successful research funding, and service in national and international societies.
Desired Personal Characteristics and Behaviours
  • High integrity and ethical standards
  • Commitment to community engagement and partnership
  • Clear, articulate communication skills
  • Highly organized with strong process-management skills
  • Commitment, strong work ethics, and a desire to have impact at a national or international level

To Apply

​If you meet the above listed criteria for this position, please email your Application Letter, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, and the contact information of three professional referees, addressed to: The Senior Manager, Executive Search, Human Resources, Aga Khan University at hr.recruitment@aku.edu 

Please note that you MUST quote the title of the position (Associate Dean, Research) in the subject line.  

No hard copy applications will be accepted. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer. Canvassing or direct lobbying to be recruited will construe to an automatic disqualification.

Applications should be submitted latest by May 17, 2024