The Aga Khan University (AKU), established in 2004, has remained steadfast in its mission to deliver high-quality education for future health professionals across East Africa. With a firm foundation in academic excellence, research, healthcare delivery, and community service, the University strives to mold health leaders who will not only provide excellent patient care but will also contribute meaningfully to their communities.
AKU Medical College, based in Nairobi, is at the forefront of this vision. The institution is grounded in evidence-based practice and aims to be a centre of excellence for medical education and patient care. Through innovative educational programs, robust research initiatives, and strong regional and global partnerships, AKU continues to shape the healthcare landscape of East Africa.
As part of this mission, the Department of Medicine is seeking applications for the position of Senior Instructor in Psychiatry. This is a significant opportunity for a qualified professional to make a lasting impact through clinical practice, teaching, and research.
About the Role: Senior Instructor, Psychiatry
The Senior Instructor – Psychiatry will play a vital role within the Department of Medicine, delivering a broad range of functions including clinical duties, academic teaching, and research. The position reports to the Department Chair or a delegated authority.
As a full-time faculty member, you will contribute to the development of high-quality psychiatric care, the education of medical trainees, and the advancement of mental health research. You will also be responsible for ensuring that patient care is delivered professionally, ethically, and to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities for the Senior Instructor in Psychiatry are organized into three primary areas: Clinical, Academic, and Research.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Conduct clinical assessment and management of both inpatients and outpatients under the psychiatry section.
- Perform daily ward rounds and attend to emergency psychiatric consultations as needed.
- Deliver high-quality psychiatry inpatient services and provide after-hours on-call coverage as assigned.
- Offer comprehensive outpatient psychiatry services, including diagnosis, treatment planning, therapy, and patient follow-up.
- Provide mental health education to patients and their families regarding illness prevention, wellness, and recovery.
- Ensure that patients are informed of their rights, including the right to choose a healthcare provider and to seek a second opinion.
- Liaise with specialists in other departments to coordinate and optimize treatment plans for complex or comorbid cases.
- Adhere strictly to institutional policies and ethical standards in the delivery of psychiatric services.
Educational Responsibilities
- Teach and mentor undergraduate and postgraduate medical trainees including Residents, Senior House Officers (SHOs), and other clinical staff.
- Participate in curriculum development and continuous improvement of psychiatry education modules.
- Integrate modern teaching strategies such as competency-based education and active learning methods into student engagement.
- Provide academic leadership in psychiatry through lectures, bedside teaching, seminars, and case discussions.
Research and Development Responsibilities
- Engage in scholarly research and contribute to the development of psychiatry as a discipline within the institution.
- Participate in case writing and collaborative studies aimed at improving mental health outcomes in East Africa.
- Contribute to departmental publications, research proposals, and grant applications.
- Stay updated with the latest developments in psychiatry and apply evidence-based practices in clinical care.
Administrative and Collaborative Duties
- Work closely with departmental leadership in drafting and reviewing patient care protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Support interdisciplinary collaboration to foster a holistic approach to healthcare.
- Attend departmental meetings, workshops, and professional development sessions.
- Ensure optimal use of hospital resources to enhance patient safety and the overall quality of care.
Position Requirements
Candidates applying for the position must meet the following requirements:
- A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or its equivalent from a recognized university.
- A Master of Medicine (MMed) or equivalent specialization in Psychiatry.
- A minimum of two years of post-specialization clinical experience.
- Must be registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) as a specialist in Psychiatry.
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is required.
- Must possess demonstrated experience and comfort with modern teaching methodologies, especially in competency-based and interactive learning environments.
- Practical experience with a wide range of psychiatric diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions is essential.
- Proven commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and ethical medical practice.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse disciplines.
Why Join Aga Khan University?
Working at AKU means being part of an internationally recognized institution dedicated to academic and healthcare excellence. Employees enjoy an intellectually stimulating work environment with access to professional development programs and state-of-the-art medical facilities.
AKU is committed to gender equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The University values innovation, ethical integrity, and service to humanity, making it a rewarding place to grow both personally and professionally.
Application Deadline
17th May 2025 at 9:59 PM EAT
All applications must be submitted before the stated deadline. The selection process will include shortlisting, interviews, and reference checks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the official Aga Khan University career portal to submit their application. Ensure that all required documents are uploaded and that your application is complete before submitting.
Apply Now
If you are a dedicated mental health professional passionate about shaping future healthcare leaders and improving lives through clinical and academic excellence, then this is the opportunity for you.
Join Aga Khan University and be part of a transformative movement in mental health care and education in East Africa.
