The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is inviting qualified and dedicated academics to apply for positions as Graduate Research Supervisors for Master’s and PhD candidates. These opportunities are suited for scholars who possess strong research backgrounds and the capacity to provide structured academic support in a virtual learning environment. Graduate supervision at the University is anchored on fostering academic excellence, ensuring rigorous research processes, and guiding postgraduate students toward meaningful scholarly contributions.
In response to the growing demand for flexible, high-quality graduate education, the University emphasizes a supervision framework that integrates online mentorship, adherence to research ethics, and observance of established academic standards. Prospective supervisors will therefore be expected to operate within this framework, offering consistent guidance, constructive feedback, and structured oversight to support learners across various stages of their academic journey. This includes initial proposal development, research execution, thesis writing, and eventual defense.
The University seeks individuals who are willing to collaborate in a professional and structured academic environment that values accountability, scholarly rigor and timely delivery. The call specifically targets experienced researchers who are prepared to engage within the digital ecosystem established by the University’s Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring that postgraduate candidates receive quality academic support regardless of their physical location.
Supervisors will be required to demonstrate academic leadership, methodological competence, and an understanding of the diverse needs of adult learners pursuing advanced academic qualifications. The roles call for professionalism, discipline, clear communication, and a commitment to the timelines stipulated in the Graduate Studies Policy and supporting institutional regulations.
The following sections outline the positions available, the responsibilities attached to each role, and the qualifications required of prospective supervisors.
Positions Available
- PhD Supervisor
- Masters Supervisor
Each supervisory role requires a comprehensive understanding of academic research processes and the ability to mentor postgraduate students toward successful completion. The subsections below describe the detailed job responsibilities and the qualifications as provided.
Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities for Graduate Supervisors
Graduate supervisors at OUK will play a central role in shaping the academic success of postgraduate candidates. The responsibilities for both Master’s and PhD supervisors are anchored in providing academic leadership, research mentorship, and adherence to institutional guidelines. Supervisors will be expected to work collaboratively with postgraduate candidates and the institution’s academic units to ensure that students progress effectively throughout the program.
The following responsibilities apply to all supervisors:
Provide academic and research supervision to Masters and PhD candidates.
Supervisors are expected to guide learners through the full spectrum of postgraduate research, including conceptualization, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and academic writing. This support should be systematic, structured and aligned with established academic standards.
Guide candidates in proposal development, research design, data collection, analysis, and thesis writing.
Supervisors will assist candidates in developing research proposals that meet institutional requirements and demonstrate academic rigor. They will oversee the methodological choices made by candidates, provide direction on appropriate data collection techniques and ensure the student applies suitable analytical procedures. Supervisors will also review thesis drafts to support the development of clear, coherent, and academically sound manuscripts.
Mentor candidates through virtual supervision on OUK’s LMS and approved platforms.
Supervision at OUK is conducted virtually through the University’s LMS and other approved digital forums. Supervisors must be comfortable engaging with students online, offering mentorship in a flexible, timely, and supportive manner. This includes scheduling virtual consultations, responding to student submissions, and maintaining consistent communication.
Ensure adherence to OUK’s Graduate Studies Policy, research ethics and quality standards and other University policies including timelines.
Supervisors will ensure that each candidate complies with University policies, especially those related to academic integrity, ethical research conduct, and prescribed timelines. They will provide guidance to ensure that the research process aligns with the ethical and methodological standards set by the institution.
Provide timely feedback and progress reports as per institutional guidelines.
The University requires supervisors to provide structured feedback within established timelines to support steady academic progress. Supervisors must prepare progress reports documenting candidates’ achievements, challenges, and next steps, ensuring transparency in the supervision process.
Support preparation for thesis defense and publication of research outputs.
Supervisors will guide candidates in preparing for oral defenses, ensuring that they understand the structure, expectations, and academic rigor required. They will also support candidates in refining their research outputs for publication, helping them disseminate their work through appropriate academic platforms.
The above responsibilities form the core expectations for all supervisors. Additional qualifications specific to each supervisory category are outlined in the following sections.
Qualifications for PhD Supervisors
Applicants for the PhD supervision role must meet the following requirements:
An earned PhD in a relevant field from a recognized institution.
Candidates must hold a doctoral qualification in an area aligned with the field in which they intend to supervise, ensuring appropriate expertise to guide advanced research.
At least three peer-reviewed publications in the last five years.
Applicants should demonstrate current scholarly engagement, including recent publications that reflect active involvement in academic research.
Strong digital mentoring and online engagement skills to effectively support learners in virtual environments.
Given the online nature of supervision at OUK, candidates must possess the ability to communicate effectively in digital settings, provide clear guidance, and maintain strong virtual engagement with postgraduate students.
Familiarity and prior experience with online or virtual supervision will be an added advantage.
Experience in digital academic environments is beneficial as it aligns with the University’s operational model.
Qualifications for Masters Supervisors
Applicants for the Master’s supervision role must meet the following requirements:
PhD in a relevant field OR Master’s degree with significant research or professional experience in specialized areas and demonstration of supervision of Masters candidates to completion.
Candidates may hold a doctoral qualification or, alternatively, a Master’s degree combined with notable professional or research experience. Those who have successfully supervised Master’s candidates to completion will be strongly considered.
At least two peer-reviewed publications in the last five years.
Applicants must show recent engagement in scholarly research through peer-reviewed publications.
Strong digital mentoring and online engagement skills to effectively support learners in virtual environments.
Supervisors must be equipped to mentor students within the University’s digital framework, ensuring consistent support and timely communication.
Familiarity and prior experience with online or virtual supervision will be an added advantage.
Experience with virtual academic processes is considered beneficial.
Application Requirements
All applicants must submit the following materials as part of the application process:
Cover letter indicating area or areas of specialization.
The cover letter should clearly state the applicant’s areas of academic expertise and their suitability for the specific supervisory role.
Updated CV highlighting supervision experience and publications.
The CV should provide comprehensive information on the applicant’s academic credentials, experience supervising postgraduate candidates, and relevant research contributions.
Evidence of publications (DOI links or copies).
Applicants must provide verifiable documentation of their peer-reviewed publications.
Recommendation letters from two referees familiar with the applicant’s research and supervision records.
The letters should attest to the applicant’s capability, professionalism, and academic track record.
Application Procedure
All applicants should apply online through the University website by 3rd December 2025 and upload the following documents:
An updated CV including full academic details, professional qualifications, and experience.
Membership details for any professional bodies.
Names and addresses of three referees.
Copies of ID or Passport, academic certificates, and testimonials.
Additional Notes
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Remuneration will be as per the OUK terms.
The University encourages applications from individuals who are prepared to contribute to a high-quality, research-oriented postgraduate environment.
Prof. Elijah Omwenga
Vice-Chancellor
