The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), a world-renowned health research institution, continues to drive excellence in medical research, training, and healthcare delivery. As a leading public research body under the Ministry of Health, KEMRI is dedicated to improving human health through research, innovation, and capacity building. With a commitment to evidence-based solutions and scientific excellence, KEMRI provides a dynamic and challenging environment where professionals, researchers, and interns can grow and contribute to impactful work.
KEMRI is currently inviting applications from qualified candidates to fill a variety of positions in different locations across Kenya. These opportunities include contract roles and internship positions in nursing, clinical medicine, research, laboratory technology, and nutrition. Each role is designed to support the Institute’s mission of advancing global health through local solutions.
The positions available are detailed below:
1. Nurse – Nairobi (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00844
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Nurse will be responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to participants enrolled in KEMRI’s clinical research projects. This includes conducting patient assessments, recording clinical observations, administering treatments and medications, and ensuring proper documentation in line with research protocols and ethical guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct nursing care to study participants as per protocol.
- Maintain accurate and confidential health records and logs.
- Support study doctors during physical examinations and sample collection.
- Administer injections, collect vital signs, and monitor for adverse reactions.
- Offer counseling and health education to participants.
- Maintain infection prevention and control standards in all clinical activities.
- Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
This position offers an opportunity to be part of critical research initiatives that influence public health policy and medical interventions at national and international levels.
2. Nutrition Intern – KEMRI CPHR (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00845
Employment Type: Internship
Location: Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR), Nairobi
Application Deadline: July 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Nutrition Intern will work under the supervision of experienced researchers and nutritionists at the Centre for Public Health Research. The role provides hands-on experience in the assessment of nutritional data, field data collection, and community health education related to nutrition and diet.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in conducting nutrition assessments in the community and clinical settings.
- Participate in data collection, entry, and basic analysis.
- Support ongoing nutrition intervention studies.
- Help prepare nutrition education materials.
- Attend research team meetings and contribute to the interpretation of findings.
- Participate in health and nutrition awareness campaigns organized by the Institute.
This internship is designed for recent graduates seeking to build a career in public health nutrition or clinical nutrition research. It provides invaluable exposure to real-world challenges in food security, diet assessment, and health promotion.
3. Registered Clinical Officer – Nairobi (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00846
Job Grade: KMR 08
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Registered Clinical Officer will provide clinical support in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients enrolled in KEMRI’s research studies. The officer will work closely with investigators and nurses in ensuring proper clinical management and reporting of research participants.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct physical examinations and obtain medical history of participants.
- Prescribe medications and manage minor ailments in accordance with national treatment guidelines.
- Support the recruitment and retention of study participants.
- Ensure proper completion of case report forms and patient charts.
- Perform or supervise the collection of biological samples.
- Contribute to study protocol adherence and ethical compliance.
- Maintain high standards of clinical care and safety throughout the study.
This position demands professionalism, precision, and a patient-centered approach. It provides exposure to clinical research methodologies and ethical frameworks guiding medical studies.
4. Research Assistant – Nairobi (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00847
Job Grade: KMR 07
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Research Assistant will support ongoing public health and clinical research projects by managing data collection, entry, and preliminary analysis. The role is ideal for individuals with strong analytical skills and a passion for scientific discovery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer research questionnaires and conduct interviews with study participants.
- Collect and process data using digital tools and databases.
- Conduct literature reviews and assist in report writing.
- Coordinate logistics for field visits, workshops, and meetings.
- Ensure adherence to research ethics and confidentiality protocols.
- Provide routine updates and briefings to the project team.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific presentations and manuscripts.
This position offers a solid foundation for a career in scientific research, project coordination, or academic development. It provides a chance to work alongside senior researchers and gain exposure to the full cycle of health research.
5. Laboratory Technologist Intern – Kisumu (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00848
Employment Type: Internship
Location: Kisumu
Application Deadline: August 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The intern will support laboratory testing and sample management functions at KEMRI’s Kisumu facility. The role is suited for recent graduates seeking practical laboratory experience in diagnostic or research laboratories.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation of laboratory reagents and samples.
- Participate in the collection, labeling, and storage of specimens.
- Support quality control and assurance procedures.
- Clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Enter laboratory results into digital systems.
- Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity standards.
This internship provides critical exposure to biomedical laboratory practices and prepares candidates for future roles in diagnostics, surveillance, or research labs.
6. Laboratory Technologist Intern – Eldoret (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00849
Employment Type: Internship
Location: Eldoret
Application Deadline: August 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Job Description:
Similar to the Kisumu role, the intern at the Eldoret station will be involved in supporting routine laboratory tasks and ensuring the smooth operation of research studies requiring biological sample analysis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in laboratory experiments and sample analyses.
- Help maintain accurate laboratory records.
- Perform basic data entry and inventory tracking.
- Participate in infection control and safety drills.
- Assist in maintaining clean, sterile, and organized lab environments.
This is a learning position that provides mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities to engage in impactful public health research.
7. Laboratory Technologist Intern – Siaya (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00850
Employment Type: Internship
Location: Siaya
Application Deadline: August 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The intern will work with laboratory teams in Siaya to support sample processing and laboratory maintenance for ongoing surveillance and research studies in the region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in diagnostic sample processing and testing.
- Maintain laboratory hygiene and equipment readiness.
- Record observations and input data into lab systems.
- Participate in field specimen collection activities.
- Work within quality assurance frameworks set by KEMRI protocols.
This internship will be instrumental in building the intern’s capacity in research-based laboratory operations, particularly in resource-constrained and community-based environments.
How to Apply
Applicants are advised to carefully review the specific role requirements and ensure that they meet the criteria stated in the respective job descriptions. Applications must be submitted before the deadlines listed above for each position. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For roles with a specified application deadline and no email provided, please proceed to the KEMRI careers portal to submit your application.
