The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is inviting applications from qualified candidates to fill several positions within its research programs and laboratories across different locations in Kenya. These opportunities are available on contract terms and provide a platform for professionals to contribute to impactful research and public health initiatives.
The following positions are open for application:
- Research Assistant – Nairobi (1 Position) – Deadline: 10/05/2025, 5:00 PM
- Laboratory Technologist – Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay (1 Position) – Deadline: 10/10/2025, 5:00 PM
- Senior Research Scientist – KEMRI CPHR Kisumu (2 Positions) – Deadline: 10/10/2025, 5:00 PM
- Research Scientist – CGHR Kisumu (1 Position) – Deadline: 10/12/2025, 5:00 PM
Each role carries specific duties and responsibilities essential to the advancement of KEMRI’s mission in health research. Detailed job descriptions for each position are outlined below.
Research Assistant – Nairobi (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00878
Employment Type: Contract
Job Grade: KMR 06
The Research Assistant will play a supportive role in the design, implementation, and monitoring of research projects. This position will be based in Nairobi and requires a keen interest in research processes and data management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in the planning and execution of research activities, ensuring adherence to established protocols and timelines.
- Support in data collection, data entry, and preliminary data analysis using appropriate tools and software.
- Participate in the preparation of research materials such as questionnaires, interview guides, and informed consent forms.
- Maintain accurate research records, ensuring confidentiality and proper filing of data.
- Liaise with project teams, community stakeholders, and study participants during the implementation of fieldwork.
- Provide logistical support for workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings related to the research projects.
- Prepare progress reports and contribute to the drafting of manuscripts, presentations, and other research outputs.
- Undertake any other related tasks as assigned by the Principal Investigator or Project Supervisor.
Laboratory Technologist – Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00879
Employment Type: Contract
Job Grade: KMR 08
The Laboratory Technologist will support laboratory operations across Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties. The role involves technical responsibilities in laboratory procedures, sample handling, and ensuring quality control in diagnostic and research laboratory settings.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct laboratory tests and procedures in accordance with established protocols and quality assurance standards.
- Collect, label, and process biological samples for analysis, ensuring integrity and accuracy.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration and timely servicing.
- Document and maintain accurate laboratory records, including test results and quality control logs.
- Ensure compliance with biosafety and biosecurity guidelines within laboratory environments.
- Support in inventory management by monitoring laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables.
- Assist in training new staff, interns, or students in laboratory procedures and best practices.
- Participate in the development and review of standard operating procedures for laboratory work.
- Contribute to laboratory research activities by supporting experiments, data recording, and result interpretation.
- Perform any other related duties assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor or Project Leader.
Senior Research Scientist – KEMRI CPHR Kisumu (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00880
Employment Type: Contract
Job Grade: KMR 05
The Senior Research Scientist will lead and coordinate high-level scientific research activities at the Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR) in Kisumu. This position involves overseeing project implementation, supervising research teams, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in public health.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design and implement research projects aligned with institutional and national health priorities.
- Develop study protocols, tools, and methodologies in line with ethical and regulatory requirements.
- Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of research data, ensuring scientific rigor and accuracy.
- Prepare and submit research proposals, grant applications, and progress reports to funding agencies.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences and stakeholder forums.
- Provide mentorship and supervision to junior scientists, research assistants, and students involved in ongoing projects.
- Coordinate multi-disciplinary research teams, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
- Manage research budgets, ensuring compliance with donor and institutional financial policies.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with local and international research institutions, government bodies, and other stakeholders.
- Serve as a principal investigator on research projects and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
- Undertake other responsibilities assigned by the Director or Centre Head to support the achievement of institutional goals.
Research Scientist – CGHR Kisumu (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00881
Employment Type: Contract
Job Grade: KMR 06
The Research Scientist will be based at the Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR) in Kisumu. This position entails conducting scientific research in public health, supporting data analysis, and contributing to evidence-based policy and program development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participate in the conceptualization and design of public health research projects.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data using relevant statistical methods and software.
- Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations for dissemination of research findings.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in the planning and implementation of research studies.
- Support the development of grant proposals and research funding applications.
- Provide guidance to research assistants and interns engaged in field or laboratory work.
- Ensure ethical conduct of research, including informed consent, data confidentiality, and adherence to research protocols.
- Contribute to policy discussions and technical advisory forums on matters related to ongoing research.
- Undertake other related tasks as may be delegated by the Project Lead or Centre Director.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit applications for the positions listed above. Each application must be submitted before the stated deadline. Applicants are advised to review the job details carefully to ensure eligibility and adherence to application requirements.
