Academic Researcher

Job description
Call for Volunteer Research Mentors - Join the
Mission to Rescue Africa's Research Ecosystem Africa contributes less than 1% of global research output, despite being home to nearly one-fifth of the world's population. In many countries, less than 1% of GDP is allocated to research and development, leaving countless brilliant minds without the mentorship and guidance needed to produce impactful research.
This is not just a gap — it is a call to action.
At Wale Lab, Wale University, we believe strengthening Africa's research ecosystem requires a collective mission.
So far, we have brought together 36+ mentors from over nine countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and beyond. Together, we are working to equip emerging researchers with the tools needed to contribute to global knowledge.
As demand continues to grow, we are inviting Volunteer Research Mentors to join our next fully funded research cohort — a scholarship-based program designed to remove financial barriers for students across Africa.
Because the cohort runs on full scholarships, this is a non-monetary volunteer mentorship role focused on impact, visibility, and long-term transformation.
• The Mission
To empower the next generation of African researchers and contribute to rebuilding a stronger, globally competitive research ecosystem across the continent.
Roles & Responsibilities
• Mentor early-stage researchers throughout the cohort
• Guide mentees in research design and academic writing
• Provide constructive feedback on research drafts
• Encourage ethical and high-quality research practices
• Support researchers toward publication readiness
• Participate in periodic mentor coordination sessions
Requirements
• Experience in writing academic or scientific research
• At least one published paper (journal, conference, or equivalent)
• Passion for mentorship and knowledge sharing
• Ability to commit a few hours weekly during the cohort
• Interest in advancing Africa's research capacity
• Non-Monetary Benefits
• Opportunity to contribute to a continental research transformation
• Global visibility as a Research Mentor
• Certificate of mentorship and impact recognition
• Networking with mentors across multiple countries
• Collaboration opportunities on future research projects
• Recognition across Wale Lab platforms
• Direct impact on scholars accessing full research scholarships
This is more than a mentorship role — it is an opportunity to join a rescue mission for Africa's research ecosystem.
If you have experience in research writing and a passion for empowering others, your expertise is needed.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested? Apply via https://lab.wale.university.
Together, we can move Africa from less than 1% to a thriving research-driven future.
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