The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), a premier institution in health research, is inviting applications from qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Principal Research Scientist. This position is based in Kericho and is a critical role within the MHK (Malaria, HIV, and Kalazaar) study portfolio. The role requires a passionate, innovative, and driven individual to conduct and lead scientific research, mentor junior staff, and contribute to policy development in public health.
KEMRI is known for its strong research output and commitment to public health innovation. This opportunity offers a platform to work with some of the brightest minds in health sciences, contribute to life-saving research, and grow as a leader in scientific inquiry.
This is a contract position under Job Grade KMR 04, and only one vacancy is available.
Job Title
Assistant Principal Research Scientist – Kericho
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide array of research and leadership duties within the MHK studies. Below are the detailed responsibilities:
1. Research Execution and Oversight
- Conduct research activities in various settings including hospitals, laboratories, communities, and environmental setups relevant to MHK studies.
- Ensure strict adherence to research protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data management guidelines during research implementation.
- Continuously evaluate ongoing research, ensuring it meets the set objectives and timelines while adhering to quality standards.
2. Documentation and Data Management
- Maintain comprehensive and well-structured documentation for all research activities conducted.
- Apply appropriate SOPs and data handling protocols to ensure accuracy, security, and integrity of data.
- Ensure compliance with ethical standards and national/international regulations governing research.
3. Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Conduct statistical analysis of research data using appropriate software and methodologies.
- Compare actual results against expected outcomes, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions or design improved experiments.
- Document, interpret, and summarize research findings for both internal and external consumption.
4. Research Design and Innovation
- Evaluate existing research methodologies and suggest improvements for higher accuracy, efficiency, and productivity.
- Develop new research questions based on existing findings or new observations.
- Prepare and submit competitive grant proposals to attract funding for new and ongoing studies.
5. Mentorship and Capacity Building
- Provide academic and practical mentorship to junior scientists, graduate students, and interns.
- Organize training sessions to enhance skills development within the research team.
- Offer guidance on research techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing.
6. Collaboration and Networking
- Build professional networks within KEMRI and with external collaborators.
- Work collaboratively across departments and institutions to promote multidisciplinary research and innovation.
- Facilitate opportunities for joint research initiatives and funding partnerships.
7. Communication and Dissemination
- Present research findings at scientific conferences, symposia, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
- Prepare technical reports, scientific papers, presentations, and policy briefs.
- Actively contribute to both single-author and collaborative publications in peer-reviewed journals.
8. Event Coordination and Outreach
- Plan and coordinate scientific workshops and seminars for knowledge sharing.
- Engage with community stakeholders to enhance understanding and participation in research activities.
- Represent the institution in local and international research platforms.
9. Leadership and Administration
- Supervise research teams, ensuring timely and quality delivery of project objectives.
- Lead proposal development processes, including budgeting, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
- Monitor project timelines, resource utilization, and compliance with institutional policies.
Vacancy Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following mandatory and desirable criteria:
Mandatory Requirements
- Minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.
- Proven record of having been awarded individual fellowships, grants, or scientific awards.
- At least three first-author peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Demonstrated experience in teaching, training, and mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.
- A minimum of five years’ experience working in antimicrobial resistance of bacterial pathogens.
- Training in Human Subjects Research and workplace safety.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, both written and oral, in English.
- Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
- Leadership abilities, maturity, attention to detail, and capability to work in a team and under flexible hours.
- Demonstrated scientific writing skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
- Upholding of the tenets of good scientific methodology, including consistency and reproducibility of data.
- Strong project and time management capabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and mentoring skills.
- High levels of self-motivation, with the ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Ability to integrate and collaborate within a diverse team environment.
- Demonstrated originality, creativity, and consistent productivity in research.
Added Advantage
- Experience in clinical microbiology will be considered a plus.
Job Type and Location
Type: Contract
Job Grade: KMR 04
Location: Kericho
Number of Vacancies
Available Positions: 1
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must be registered users on the application portal. To apply, follow the steps below:
- Log into your account on the application platform.
- Navigate to the “Vacancies” section.
- Locate the post titled “Assistant Principal Research Scientist – Kericho.”
- Click the button labeled “Apply for this job.”
Note: Applicants must provide a valid email address and phone number, which will be used to communicate interview details.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. During interviews, candidates will be required to present the following original documents:
- National Identity Card
- Academic and professional certificates
- Official academic transcripts
- Testimonials
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Valid Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct)
Contact Information
For inquiries and technical support, applicants may reach out via the following email:
Email: [email protected]
Application Deadline
Closing Date: July 3, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM East African Time
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and take this opportunity to join one of Africa’s leading public health research institutions. Help shape the future of global health research through innovation, integrity, and impact.
