Research Assistant

JOB PURPOSE: The Research Assistant (RA) will work closely with the project team to support research activities aimed at building sustainable entrepreneurial capacity and nurturing future talent.

PROJECT OVERVIEW: This collaborative research project, funded by Swansea University, aims to establish enduring capabilities at Strathmore University, serving as a model for entrepreneurial universities across Kenya. The focus is on promoting graduate entrepreneurship, inclusivity, research, and innovation within the higher education sector.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Collection and Analysis: Assist with qualitative and quantitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups with stakeholders (e.g., faculty, students, and entrepreneurs).
Literature Review: Conduct comprehensive reviews of academic and industry literature to support research on entrepreneurial ecosystems, capacity building, and inclusivity in higher education.
Field Research Support: Facilitate fieldwork logistics, liaise with participants, and coordinate on-site visits, ensuring smooth execution of research activities.
Data Coding and Management: Use tools like NVivo or similar software to organize and code research data, assisting with thematic analysis and data interpretation.
Report Writing: Contribute to drafting progress reports, summaries, and briefs on research findings for dissemination to project partners, stakeholders, and the academic community.
Administrative Support: Assist in scheduling meetings, preparing research documentation, and supporting communication between project partners, including Swansea University and other collaborators.
Collaboration: Work closely with the principal investigators, other research staff, and stakeholders to ensure that project milestones are met according to timelines. PRÉ-REQUISITE

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The post holder will be required to have and demonstrate evidence of the following qualifications, attributes, and skills:

Academic Qualifications: At least a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, Management or a related field in Social Science. 
Research Experience: Previous experience working on research projects, preferably in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, higher education, or Capacity building
Context Understanding: Familiarity with the Kenyan higher education sector and knowledge of entrepreneurial support structures in Kenya.

Key Competencies and Attributes:

Technical Skills: Proficiency in using data analysis tools such as NVivo or equivalent. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely in academic and non-academic formats.
Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, both independently and under guidance.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and appreciation of local entrepreneurial ecosystems and the higher education landscape in Kenya.
Data visualization and presentation: Ability to analyze and interpret data efficiently, allowing for faster decision-making and clearer communication of insights.

If you are interested in the position and have the skills we are looking for, we would like to hear from you. Please forward an application letter together with a copy of your updated resume quoting ‘Research Assistant’ and any published research outputs to the People and Culture Manager, Strathmore University Business School, on careerssbs@strathmore.edu by the end of the day (5.30 pm) Friday, 25th October 2024.

Apply via :

careerssbs@strathmore.edu