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Senior Lecturer – Pharmacology

Zetech University

Nairobifull time~KES 150k – 250k/mo1d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Teach undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacology, supervise student placements, lead research initiatives, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while mentoring junior academics.

You Need

PhD in Pharmacy/Pharmacology, 3+ years university teaching/research experience, and a demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

You Get

Competitive senior academic salary in Nairobi, research funding opportunities, industry consultancy potential, and the chance to shape pharmacy education in Kenya.

Job Description

Role Overview

Zetech University is looking for a dynamic and accomplished Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology to join its Department of Health Sciences. This is a senior academic role designed for a forward-thinking scholar who can bridge theoretical knowledge and real-world pharmaceutical practice, driving both student success and institutional research output. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial thinking to academia, nurturing a culture of innovation, inquiry, and industry relevance within the university's pharmacy programmes.

Reporting to the Head of Department – Health Sciences, the Senior Lecturer will play a pivotal role in curriculum delivery, postgraduate supervision, research funding, and community engagement. You will be instrumental in ensuring all academic activities meet the regulatory standards set by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, while simultaneously inspiring the next generation of pharmacy professionals in Kenya.

Key Responsibilities
  • Teach allocated Pharmacology units and deliver high-quality lectures and practical sessions across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
  • Design, develop, plan, and deliver new and existing courses at various academic levels in line with curriculum objectives.
  • Oversee clinical practice placements and provide students with structured, real-world learning experiences in industry settings.
  • Regularly review and update course content, materials, and assessments to reflect current developments in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Collaborate with academic colleagues on curriculum development, course reform, and the advancement of research activities.
  • Carry out independent and collaborative research; write and submit competitive research grant proposals to attract external funding.
  • Seek and participate in consultancy opportunities that enhance the university's industry linkages and revenue diversification.
  • Disseminate research findings at national and international conferences, scientific symposia, and webinars.
  • Provide mentorship, academic advising, and career guidance to both students and junior members of staff.
  • Supervise postgraduate students through to successful thesis completion.
  • Ensure all academic and professional activities comply with Pharmacy and Poisons Board standards and regulations.
  • Actively participate in departmental committees, school governance, and university community life.
  • Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor from time to time.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Hold a minimum of a PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, or a closely related field from an accredited university — candidates must be able to demonstrate advanced disciplinary expertise through published research.
  • Have at least three (3) years of teaching and/or research experience at university level in a Lecturer or Research Fellow capacity.
  • Demonstrate a credible publication record — candidates must have peer-reviewed journal articles attributable to their academic work.
  • Have successfully supervised a minimum of two (2) postgraduate students to completion.
  • Show evidence of attracting research funding or grants during a previous academic appointment.
  • Demonstrate active participation in academic conferences, seminars, or workshops as a presenter or contributor.
  • Exhibit a genuine commitment to sustainability — candidates should articulate how they have embedded sustainable thinking into research, teaching, or institutional development.
  • Maintain a valid Pharmacy and Poisons Board Practice Licence and stay current with regulatory and industry developments.
  • Possess established professional networks and industry linkages that can enhance graduate employability and collaborative research opportunities.
  • Demonstrate strong mentorship and interpersonal skills, with a student-centred approach to teaching and advising.
Salary & Benefits

Zetech University offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience, aligned with the Commission for University Education (CUE) guidelines for senior academic staff in Kenya. Estimated monthly salary range is KES 150,000 – KES 250,000. The role also comes with opportunities for research grants, conference participation funding, and professional development support.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for a seasoned academic pharmacologist who is passionate about teaching excellence, research innovation, and student mentorship. You thrive in a collaborative academic environment, maintain strong ties with the pharmaceutical industry, and are driven to produce graduates who are job-ready and globally competitive. You are a published researcher with supervisory experience and a valid PPB licence.

This role is not suitable for candidates without a postgraduate degree in a relevant field, those lacking university-level teaching experience, or applicants who do not hold a valid Pharmacy and Poisons Board Practice Licence.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the Zetech University careers portal or official application channel as advertised. Your application package should include an updated curriculum vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates, a list of publications, evidence of research funding, and contact details for at least three academic referees. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, or closely related field from accredited university
  • Minimum 3 years university-level teaching and/or research experience as Lecturer or Research Fellow
  • Credible peer-reviewed publication record demonstrating advanced disciplinary expertise
  • Successful postgraduate student supervision experience
  • Knowledge of Pharmacy and Poisons Board regulatory standards

Nice to Have

  • Track record of securing external research funding/grant proposals
  • Industry consultancy experience and established pharmaceutical sector linkages
  • Experience designing and delivering new curriculum or course reform
  • Presentation history at national/international conferences or webinars

Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →

Salary Context

Competitive mid-to-senior academic salary for Nairobi market

The range of KES 150,000–250,000/month is above average for academic positions in Kenya and reflects the seniority and PhD requirement. Senior Lecturers in health sciences typically command higher salaries due to research expectations, regulatory compliance responsibilities, and industry engagement potential; variation depends on publication output, external funding secured, and years of experience.

About Zetech University

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Zetech University is a Nairobi-based private institution recognized for its focus on health sciences and professional education, including a robust pharmacy programme aligned with national healthcare needs. As a growing university, Zetech emphasizes industry relevance, research output, and compliance with Kenya's regulatory bodies—making it an attractive employer for academics who want to bridge theory and practice. The institution values entrepreneurial scholarship and community engagement, positioning it as a forward-thinking player in Kenya's higher education and health professions landscape.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Describe a pharmacology course you have designed or significantly reformed. How did you ensure it met both academic rigour and industry relevance, and what was the student/employer feedback?

  • 2

    Walk us through an example of a research grant proposal you have written or led. What was the focus, which funding body did you approach, and what were the outcomes?

  • 3

    How do you approach mentoring postgraduate students to successful thesis completion? Can you give a specific example and outline your supervision philosophy?

  • 4

    Zetech places emphasis on industry linkages and consultancy. Describe an instance where you have engaged with the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare sector, and how you would replicate that at Zetech.

  • 5

    The Pharmacy and Poisons Board in Kenya sets specific standards for academic pharmacy programmes. How do you stay current with these regulations, and how have you ensured compliance in your previous institution?

Application Tips

  • Highlight your publication record prominently: list peer-reviewed journal articles, their impact factors, and how they demonstrate specialist expertise in pharmacology. Hiring committees will scrutinize this.

  • Provide concrete examples of research grants you have secured or contributed to—include funder names, amounts, and project outcomes. This shows entrepreneurial scholarship and revenue generation potential.

  • Document your postgraduate supervision track record: list number of students supervised, their thesis titles, completion timelines, and any awards or publications arising from their work. This is a critical differentiator for senior academic roles.

  • Include evidence of industry engagement: consultancy contracts, partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, or clinical placement arrangements you have brokered. Zetech values these linkages.

  • Demonstrate curriculum development experience: attach course outlines, syllabi, or assessment tools you have designed, especially if they reflect current pharmacology/pharmaceutical practice.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Lecturer (university level) in Pharmacy or Pharmacology
Research Fellow or Postdoctoral Researcher in pharmaceutical sciences
Hospital/Clinical Pharmacist with teaching responsibilities

Where this leads

Associate Professor or Professor in Pharmacy/Pharmacology
Head of Department – Health Sciences or Dean of a School
Director of Research or Graduate Studies at university level
Senior research leadership role in pharmaceutical industry or regulatory body (e.g., Pharmacy and Poisons Board)

Skills & Keywords

senior lecturer pharmacologyuniversity jobs kenyazetech university jobspharmacy jobs kenyaacademic jobs kenyapharmacology lecturerhealth sciences lecturerpharmacy and poisons board jobs

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Clear career trajectory and seniority: Senior Lecturer role with departmental leadership and postgraduate supervision responsibilities offers genuine advancement potential.
  • Research-focused institution: explicit mention of grant writing, research dissemination, and consultancy indicates support for academic entrepreneurship and publication output.
  • Regulatory alignment: emphasis on Pharmacy and Poisons Board compliance and industry placements signals institutional commitment to quality and relevance in pharmacy education.
  • Competitive salary range: KES 150k–250k/month is attractive for Nairobi and reflects respect for advanced expertise and PhD-level credentials.

Watch Out

  • Job description ends mid-sentence ('Have successfully supervi…'), suggesting the posting may be incomplete or hastily posted—clarify full expectations with HR before applying.
  • No mention of professional development budget, research support, sabbatical eligibility, or other perks typical for senior academic roles—inquire about these during interview.
  • Salary range is broad (KES 150k–250k) with no clarity on what determines placement within the band—ask about promotion criteria and advancement timelines.

A Day in the Life

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Monday might start with a curriculum development meeting with the Head of Department to review postgraduate module updates aligned with pharmacy board standards, followed by two hours preparing for Wednesday's pharmacology lecture. By mid-week, you're delivering engaging practicals to undergraduates and meeting with a third-year student to discuss their placement at a local hospital pharmacy. Afternoons involve writing a research grant proposal to a medical research council, reviewing a junior lecturer's draft paper for co-authorship, and supervising a master's student's thesis work via Zoom. You also attend a departmental committee meeting and sketch out consultancy opportunities with a pharmaceutical firm. Friday closes with catching up on emails, updating course materials to reflect the latest clinical guidelines, and planning next week's seminars—a rhythm that blends teaching rigour, research ambition, and industry engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Senior Lecturer – Pharmacology at Zetech University?

You must hold a PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, or a closely related field from an accredited university, plus at least 3 years of university-level teaching or research experience. A credible peer-reviewed publication record and successful postgraduate supervision experience are also essential.

Is the Senior Lecturer – Pharmacology role at Zetech University remote or on-site?

The job description does not explicitly state a remote option; the role is based in Nairobi and involves in-person teaching, practical sessions, student supervision, and departmental participation, suggesting a primarily on-site position. Confirm flexibility with HR during the application process.

How much does a Senior Lecturer – Pharmacology earn at Zetech University?

The posted salary range is KES 150,000–250,000 per month, which is competitive for senior academic roles in Nairobi. The exact placement within this range typically depends on qualifications, publications, prior experience, and research funding track record.

What are the career growth opportunities for this role?

This is a senior academic position that can lead to Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department, or Dean roles. The emphasis on research grants, consultancy, and industry linkages also creates pathways into research leadership or senior roles in the pharmaceutical regulatory or commercial sectors.

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