Lecturer – Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing
Mama Ngina University College
Quick Take
Design and deliver high-quality lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions in mental health and psychiatric nursing; supervise student research; conduct and publish original research; and mentor the next generation of mental health professionals.
PhD or Master's degree in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing with 3+ years teaching/research experience, active research profile (24+ publication points, 16+ from refereed journals), and current Nursing Council of Kenya registration.
Competitive salary, opportunity to shape nursing education and mental health practice in Kenya, research-focused environment, and secure academic position at an institution committed to excellence.
Job Description
Mama Ngina University College (MNUC) invites applications from suitably qualified and passionate nursing academics for the position of Lecturer in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing. This is a full-time academic appointment within the Department of Nursing Sciences, offering a rewarding opportunity to shape the next generation of mental health nursing professionals in Kenya.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, conduct and publish original research, and actively participate in departmental and institutional academic activities. MNUC is committed to academic excellence and the advancement of nursing education in Kenya, and this role is central to that mission.
- Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Develop and review curriculum content, course outlines, and instructional materials in alignment with Commission for University Education (CUE) standards.
- Supervise and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking research projects, dissertations, and clinical placements.
- Conduct and publish original research in mental health nursing, contributing towards the institution's scholarly output goals.
- Assess student performance through examinations, assignments, and clinical evaluations, providing constructive and timely feedback.
- Participate in departmental meetings, academic committees, and accreditation processes.
- Collaborate with healthcare institutions and community partners to enhance clinical training experiences for students.
- Contribute to student welfare, academic counselling, and mentorship activities.
- Stay current with emerging trends, evidence-based practices, and policy developments in mental health and psychiatric nursing.
- Demonstrate possession of an earned PhD or equivalent Doctoral degree in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing from an accredited and recognized university — OR — hold a Master's degree in the same field with at least three (3) years of verifiable teaching experience at university level or in research or industry.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited and recognized university as a foundational qualification.
- Demonstrate a minimum of 24 publication points, of which at least 16 must be sourced from refereed journal papers, evidencing an active research profile.
- Maintain current registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya and present a valid practice license at the point of appointment.
- Apply proficiency in computer applications including MS Office, e-learning platforms, and academic databases to support teaching and research activities.
- Communicate complex psychiatric and mental health concepts clearly and effectively to diverse student audiences.
- Demonstrate capacity to supervise research and guide students through evidence-based clinical decision-making processes.
- Candidates actively progressing towards PhD completion will have an added advantage and are encouraged to apply.
The salary for this position is aligned with the Kenya Government's approved university salary scales for academic staff (Lecturer Grade). Estimated monthly gross remuneration ranges from KES 100,000 to KES 200,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and publication record. Additional benefits typical of public university appointments in Kenya may include medical cover, pension contributions, and professional development support. Specific details will be confirmed during the appointment process.
Ideal candidates are registered mental health nursing professionals with a strong academic background and a demonstrable commitment to research and student development. You thrive in a collegial university environment, maintain an active publication record, and are passionate about advancing psychiatric nursing education in Kenya. Whether you hold a completed PhD or are nearing completion of your doctorate, you bring energy, integrity, and academic rigour to every engagement.
Do not apply if you do not hold the minimum qualifications stated, are not registered with the Nursing Council of Kenya, or cannot present a valid practice license. Applicants without at least a Master's degree in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing and the required publication points will not be considered.
- Prepare a comprehensive application package including: a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), certified copies of academic and professional certificates, a list of publications with evidence of publication points, and proof of Nursing Council of Kenya registration.
- Ensure your CV clearly highlights your teaching experience (years and institution), research output, and any ongoing doctoral work if applicable.
- Submit your application through the official Mama Ngina University College application portal or via the address specified in the official recruitment notice on the MNUC website.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
Requirements Breakdown
Must Have
- PhD in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing from accredited university OR Master's degree with 3+ years verifiable teaching/research experience at university level
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing from accredited university
- Minimum 24 publication points with at least 16 from refereed journal papers
- Current registration with Nursing Council of Kenya and valid practice license
- Proficiency in MS Office, e-learning platforms, and academic databases
Nice to Have
- Experience collaborating with healthcare institutions and community partners on clinical training
- Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based psychiatric nursing practice and emerging trends
- Track record of successful student mentorship and research supervision
- Experience with CUE accreditation standards and curriculum development in Kenya
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Salary Context
Competitive salary range for senior academic nursing role in Nairobi.
At KES 100,000–200,000 per month, this salary is above the median for lecturer-level positions in Kenyan universities, reflecting the seniority, specialisation (mental health), and research expectations of the role. Salary progression typically depends on qualifications (PhD vs Master's), publication record, and years of experience.
About Mama Ngina University College
Mama Ngina University College is a Nairobi-based higher education institution dedicated to advancing nursing education and academic excellence in Kenya. The college operates within a quality-focused framework aligned with Commission for University Education standards and partners with healthcare institutions across the country to deliver clinically relevant nursing training. MNUC is positioned as an emerging leader in nursing scholarship and professional development in East Africa.
Likely Interview Questions
- 1
Walk us through your most significant research contribution in mental health nursing. How did it impact practice or policy in Kenya?
- 2
Describe your approach to supervising postgraduate students undertaking dissertations in psychiatric nursing. How do you balance academic rigour with mentorship?
- 3
How do you stay current with emerging mental health trends and evidence-based practices, and how would you integrate these into your curriculum at MNUC?
- 4
Tell us about your experience collaborating with clinical settings and healthcare partners. How would you enhance our students' practical placements?
- 5
What attracts you to this position at Mama Ngina University College, and how do you see yourself contributing to our institutional research and accreditation goals?
Application Tips
Quantify your publication record clearly: list all 24+ points with emphasis on the 16+ refereed journal papers. Include impact factors or citation counts if available to stand out.
Highlight any curriculum development, CUE compliance, or accreditation experience — the job description emphasises alignment with Commission for University Education standards.
Emphasise research leadership and student supervision outcomes: mention dissertations completed, grants secured, or policy influence from your research in mental health nursing in the Kenyan context.
Career Path
Roles that lead here
Where this leads
Skills & Keywords
Honest Assessment
Green Flags
- Clear, detailed job description with explicit CUE alignment and structured responsibilities, indicating professional HR practices and institutional rigour.
- Competitive salary range (KES 100,000–200,000/mo) reflects senior academic standing and research expectations, attractive for qualified nursing academics.
- Strong emphasis on research, mentorship, and evidence-based practice signals a scholarly institution invested in professional growth and mental health nursing advancement in Kenya.
- Explicit commitment to collaboration with healthcare partners and community, suggesting real-world impact and pathways to influence clinical practice beyond the classroom.
Watch Out
- The job description is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence in the 'Required Skills & Experience' section, suggesting the posting may not have been fully reviewed or refined before publication.
- No mention of contract duration, benefits (health insurance, pension, professional development allowance), or promotion pathway, which are standard for academic roles in Kenya.
- The publication requirement (24 points, 16 from refereed journals) is high; applicants should clarify how publication points are calculated and whether the institution supports research funding or sabbaticals.
A Day in the Life
Your typical week balances teaching, research, and administration. Monday and Wednesday mornings you deliver lectures in psychiatric nursing to 60+ undergraduates, preparing interactive sessions that bridge theory and clinical case studies; Tuesday afternoons you meet one-on-one with three postgraduate students supervising their dissertations on mental health interventions in Nairobi. Wednesday you attend departmental and accreditation committee meetings to review curriculum against CUE standards. Throughout the week you work on your own research — analysing data, drafting manuscripts, or liaising with healthcare partner institutions to secure student placements. Friday mornings you grade assignments and provide detailed feedback to students, and reserve time to review emerging mental health policy and evidence from international journals to stay current with practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a Lecturer in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing at Mama Ngina University College?
You must hold either a PhD in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing from an accredited university, or a Master's degree in the same field plus 3+ years of verifiable teaching or research experience at university level. You also need a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and current registration with the Nursing Council of Kenya.
Is the Lecturer – Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing role at Mama Ngina University College remote or on-site?
The posting does not explicitly specify, but as a full-time academic position involving lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and departmental meetings, this role is almost certainly on-site in Nairobi. Contact the institution to confirm flexibility options.
How much does a Lecturer in Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing earn at Mama Ngina University College?
The advertised salary range is KES 100,000–200,000 per month, depending on qualifications (PhD vs Master's), publication record, and experience. This is competitive for senior academic roles in Kenyan higher education.
What are the career growth and development opportunities in this role?
This position offers a pathway to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, or Head of Department as you build your research profile and publication record. MNUC's emphasis on research and accreditation suggests opportunities for grant funding, sabbaticals, and influence on nursing education policy in Kenya.
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