HERI Africa Research Chair in Mathematics Education

About the role

The University of Embu, in partnership with HERI Africa (the Pan-African initiative Harnessing Education Research for Impact in Africa), is establishing a Research Chair in Mathematics Education. The Chair leads high-impact research, capacity development and innovation in foundational numeracy in Kenya and across Africa, is based at the university and requires occasional travel within the HERI Africa network.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and lead a multi-year research agenda on foundational numeracy in Africa, and provide strategic and operational leadership for complex, multi-institutional research programs.
• Strengthen postgraduate training at the university and build a pipeline of early-career scholars through training, workshops and mentorship.
• Build partnerships with universities, government agencies and research organisations across Africa, and turn research findings into policy briefs, teaching tools and guidance.
• Lead fundraising and grant management for mathematics education research.

Required profile

• Professor or Associate Professor, or equivalent senior academic rank, in Mathematics Education or a related discipline.
• Earned PhD in Mathematics Education or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Track record of supervising graduate students and a strong publication record in mathematics education, foundational numeracy or early-grade learning.
• Experience leading or co-leading large-scale externally funded research programs.
• At least 7 years post-PhD experience in education research, teacher education or pedagogical innovation.
• National, regional or international recognition in mathematics or numeracy education research.

Required skills

• Expertise in foundational numeracy, including early-grade learning, assessment, curriculum or teacher professional development.
• Strong methodological expertise (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods).
• Excellent communication skills with policymakers and practitioners.

Applications are submitted online through the University of Embu's job application link, with a hard copy of the documents sent to the Vice-Chancellor's office. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and remain open until a candidate is appointed.