Research Chair in Mathematics Education (HERI-Africa Program)

About the role

The University of Embu, in partnership with the HERI-Africa program, is establishing a Research Chair in Mathematics Education to lead high-impact research, capacity development and innovation in foundational numeracy in Kenya and across Africa. The Chair is based at the university, with 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.
• Track record of supervising graduate students and a strong publication record in mathematics education 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 and 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 form, with a hard copy package sent by post. Applications must be received by midnight on 12 February 2026 (EAT) and are identified as 'Application for Research Chair'. Applicants of African origin are encouraged to apply, and previous applicants need not re-apply.