Essential Job Details

Position Title: Professor (Multiple Positions across Various Disciplines)
Location: Konza City, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-Time (Permanent and Pensionable, inferred)
Number of Vacancies: 28 (4 Professors per department across 7 departments)
Salary: Not specified (aligned with Kenya-AIST Grade 3, equivalent to Grade 15 of public universities)
Category/Department: Academic Leadership, Research, Science, Engineering, Technology, Agricultural Biotechnology
Reporting To: Chair of Department (CoD), Deputy Vice Chancellors, and/or Vice Chancellor
Application Deadline: 9th July 2025, 5:00 PM EAT
Reference Numbers: Not specified

Introduction

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST), a flagship initiative under Kenya Vision 2030, is spearheading a transformative agenda in higher education and research. Located in the innovative hub of Konza City, this specialized postgraduate-only institution is seeking dynamic and visionary professors to lead its academic and research endeavors. With 28 vacancies across seven cutting-edge departments—Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, ICT Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Agricultural Biotechnology—the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology offers a unique opportunity for seasoned academics to contribute to Kenya’s industrialization and technological growth. These roles are pivotal for those aspiring to excel in academic jobs in Kenya, particularly within a research-intensive environment designed to foster innovation and commercialization.

Established in 2022 under Legal Order 130, the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is poised to become a beacon of excellence, producing graduates who will drive Kenya’s transition into a prosperous, innovative, and industrialized nation. The institute’s focus on science, engineering, and technology aligns with national development goals, making it an attractive destination for professors seeking impactful academic jobs in Kenya. This comprehensive guide details the responsibilities, qualifications, and application process, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to integrity, dedication, creativity, excellence, and sustainability—core values that define its culture and operations.

About Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST)

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) is a strategic national institution established to advance Kenya’s technological and economic landscape. Launched in 2022 under Legal Order 130 as part of Kenya Vision 2030, this postgraduate-only university is located in Konza City, a planned smart city designed to be a vibrant regional innovation ecosystem. The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology aims to be a research-intensive hub, focusing on science, engineering, and technology to produce graduates capable of spearheading industrialization and innovation. With a mission to push the frontiers of knowledge through groundbreaking research and industry collaborations, the institute is committed to transforming Kenya into a knowledge-based economy.

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology operates with a set of core values—integrity, dedication, creativity, excellence, and sustainability—that guide its academic and research pursuits. These values are reflected in its 14 flagship postgraduate programs, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, ICT Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Agricultural Biotechnology. The institute’s location in Konza City, a burgeoning tech hub, provides an ideal environment for fostering industry partnerships and commercializing innovations, making it a prime destination for academic jobs in Kenya. By joining Kenya-AIST, professors will contribute to a legacy of academic leadership and national development.

Key Responsibilities

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) seeks professors to provide academic and research leadership across its seven departments. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities for the Professor positions (Kenya-AIST Grade 3), tailored to the specific areas of expertise required:

Professor Positions Across Departments

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology requires four professors per department, each specializing in one of the listed research fields. The responsibilities are consistent across all positions but are contextualized to the respective areas of expertise.

General Responsibilities for All Professors

Establish and Lead Research Partnerships: Forge national, regional, and international collaborations to enhance research impact. Initiate and lead external bids for research funding and consultancies in the specialized area.
Exercise Sapiential Authority: Provide intellectual and educational leadership, guiding the academic direction of the department.
Design and Develop Academic Programs: Contribute to the creation and implementation of teaching and learning programs aligned with Kenya-AIST’s curricula.
Promote Innovative Teaching: Develop creative approaches to course design and delivery, ensuring compliance with the institute’s quality framework and educational standards.
Identify Learning Needs: Assess student learning requirements and design appropriate learning outcomes to meet educational goals.
Assess and Provide Feedback: Evaluate student learning activities, conduct examinations, and offer constructive feedback to enhance performance.
Foster Academic Leadership: Cultivate a vibrant and productive academic environment within the department.
Develop Laboratory Manuals: Create detailed manuals aligned with approved curricula in the thematic area of expertise.
Supervise Students: Oversee thesis, dissertations, internships, and attachments, ensuring high-quality research output.
Mentor Staff and Students: Guide teaching and research staff, as well as students, in the area of specialization.
Champion Research Dissemination: Lead the dissemination of research outputs and outcomes through publications, conferences, and industry engagement.
Collaborate on Technology Transfer: Work with stakeholders and industry partners to commercialize innovations and transfer technology.
Perform Additional Duties: Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Chair of Department (CoD), Deputy Vice Chancellors, or Vice Chancellor.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

Mechanical Engineering
- Energy: Lead research on renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable power solutions.
- Robot/Automation: Innovate in robotics and automation technologies for industrial applications.
- Industrial/General Machine: Advance machine design and manufacturing processes.
- Production Technology: Develop cutting-edge production techniques and systems.
Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear System Design and Safety: Design safe nuclear systems and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Nuclear Materials and Fuel Cycle: Research materials and fuel cycle technologies for nuclear power.
- Radiation Measurement and Protection: Develop methods for radiation monitoring and safety protocols.
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Circuit and Device – Semiconductor, IoT: Innovate in semiconductor design and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
- Communication and Signal: Advance communication systems and signal processing technologies.
- Electric Energy – Electric Power, Grid System: Enhance electric power generation and grid infrastructure.
- Industrial Robot System: Develop robotic systems for industrial automation.
ICT Engineering
- AI: Machine Learning: Lead research in artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.
- Computer System – Software Development: Innovate in software engineering and system design.
- Data Science: Advance data analytics and big data solutions.
- Security Computing – Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics: Strengthen cybersecurity measures and forensic techniques.
Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering: Address environmental challenges through sustainable engineering solutions.
- Transportation: Improve transportation infrastructure and systems.
- Structural Engineering: Design and analyze robust structural systems.
- Water Resources: Manage and optimize water resource projects.
Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Engineering: Research polymer materials and their applications.
- Process Engineering: Optimize industrial processes and chemical production.
- Energy & Environment Engineering: Develop energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies.
- Reaction Engineering: Innovate in chemical reaction processes and reactor design.
Agricultural Biotechnology
- Crop Production: Enhance crop yield and farming techniques.
- Crop Breeding: Develop improved crop varieties through biotechnology.
- Postharvest Management: Innovate in postharvest technology and storage.
- Food Science: Advance food processing, engineering, and functional food development.

These responsibilities require a blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and industry engagement, aligning with the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology’s vision.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in these academic jobs in Kenya at the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, candidates must meet rigorous qualifications and demonstrate exceptional skills. Below are the detailed requirements:

General Requirements for Professor (Kenya-AIST Grade 3)

Academic Qualifications: An earned PhD in a relevant field from a recognized and accredited university.
Experience:
- At least five (5) years of teaching experience as an Associate Professor, or
- Nine (9) years of research experience as a Research Faculty or equivalent.
Publication Record: A minimum of sixty (60) publications since attaining Associate Professorship or equivalent, with at least forty (40) from refereed scholarly journals.
Supervision: Supervised a minimum of ten (10) doctoral students to completion, including at least five at the master’s degree level.
Innovation: Evidence of registered patents and commercialized innovations is an added advantage.
Professional Membership: Membership in a relevant professional body where applicable.
Technical Skills: Demonstrable knowledge of current information and communication technologies (ICT).
Legal Compliance: Fulfillment of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya, requiring clearance certificates from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and a Certificate of Good Conduct from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Department-Specific Expertise

Mechanical Engineering: Expertise in energy systems, robotics, machine design, or production technology.
Nuclear Engineering: Specialization in nuclear system safety, materials, or radiation protection.
Electrical & Electronic Engineering: Proficiency in semiconductors, IoT, communication, or power systems.
ICT Engineering: Skills in AI, software development, data science, or cybersecurity.
Civil Engineering: Knowledge in environmental, transportation, structural, or water resource engineering.
Chemical Engineering: Experience in polymer, process, energy/environment, or reaction engineering.
Agricultural Biotechnology: Background in crop production, breeding, postharvest management, or food science.

Preferred Skills

Leadership: Ability to provide academic and research leadership within a collaborative environment.
Innovation: Passion for groundbreaking research and commercialization of products.
Collaboration: Experience in building industry partnerships and international networks.
Teaching: Innovative approaches to postgraduate education and student mentoring.
Communication: Excellent skills in disseminating research findings and engaging stakeholders.

Candidates with a proven track record in research leadership and industry collaboration are ideal for these academic jobs in Kenya at Kenya-AIST.

Company Culture and Values

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is built on a foundation of core values that shape its academic and research community:

Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all endeavors.
Dedication: Committing to excellence in teaching and research.
Creativity: Encouraging innovative solutions and ideas.
Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in academic and research outputs.
Sustainability: Promoting environmentally and economically sustainable practices.

These values foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment at Kenya-AIST, making it an attractive destination for academic jobs in Kenya. The institute’s location in Konza City, a burgeoning innovation hub, further enhances its appeal by providing access to a vibrant ecosystem of industry partners and technological resources.

How to Apply

Apply now for these academic jobs in Kenya at the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. To submit your application by 9th July 2025, 5:00 PM EAT, follow these steps:

Prepare Application Materials:
- Cover Letter: Address your suitability for the specific research field.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail your academic qualifications, experience, publications, and supervision record.
- Statements of Research Interests and Teaching Philosophy: Outline your research goals and teaching approach.
- Three (3) Professional References: Include names and contact details of referees.
- Copies of Academic and Professional Certificates: Verify your qualifications.
- National Identity Card or Passport: Provide proof of identity.
- Other Relevant Supporting Documents: Include patents, innovation evidence, or professional memberships.
Submit Electronically:
- Send all documents to recruitment2025@kenya-aist.ac.ke.
- Ensure all files are in PDF format and clearly labeled (e.g., “CV_JohnDoe_Professor_MechanicalEngineering”).
Clearance Requirements (for successful candidates):
- Provide clearance certificates from:
  - Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
  - Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
  - Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
  - Certificate of Good Conduct from CID.
Deadline: Applications must be received on or before 9th July 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Contact Details: For inquiries, reach out via email at principal@kenya-aist.ac.ke or cellphone at +254-741-491563. Kenya-AIST is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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28 Career Opportunities at Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) – Professor Positions, Konza City, Kenya 2025

28 Career Opportunities for Professors at Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) – Konza City, Kenya 2025

Essential Job Details

Introduction

About Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST)