Professor Bernadeta Killian is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). She holds a Bachelor of Education (UDSM) obtained in 1992, Masters in International Relations (UDSM) obtained in 1994, Masters in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1998; and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (UCLA) in 2001. She was promoted to associate professorship in 2011.

Prof. Killian has served in different managerial positions at the University of Dar es Salaam including Principal, Dar es Salaam University College of Education from 2018 until her appointment as UDSM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in late 2019; Principal, Mkwawa University College of Education (2014 - 2018); Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication (2009 - 2012); Head of Department of Political Science and Public Administration (2008 - 2009), Associate Chair, Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (2008 – 2009); and Associate Dean - Practicum in the former Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (April–September 2008).

Prof. Killian has published and provided consultancy extensively in the areas of policy analysis, gender equality, aid management, elections and democracy, and legislative politics and governance. She has received various academic awards including: Executive Leadership Training at the International Women’s Forum (IWF) at Harvard Business School & Cambridge University (2008); Leadership training for professional women in higher learning institution at HERS-South Africa Academy (2008); Residential Research Fellowship at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Washington DC., USA (2007); Capacity Building Training Programme in Election Monitoring and Conflict Management for Eastern Africa, Washington DC, USA (2002); the Rockefeller Foundation's African Dissertation Internship Award (1998); The Ford Foundation

African Studies Research Mentorship Award (1997); and CODESRIA's Small Grant Award for M.A. Dissertation (1992).

Prof. Killian has served as Chairperson and member in a number of key national and international committees and boards including Tanzania Broadcast Corporation (TBC), Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), Tanzania Education Authority (TEA), Mzumbe University and Tanzania Public Service College. She has worked as researcher with local and international organizations including Tanzania Gender Networking Program (TGNP), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), University of Helsinki and International Democratic Assistance (IDEA). As consultant, Prof. Killian has worked with various international institutions including the African Union, USAID, World Bank, Denmark's development cooperation (DANIDA), National Democratic Institute (NDI), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UN Women, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and many other multinational consultancy firms.