The University of Nairobi (UoN), one of Kenya’s most established institutions of higher learning, continues to uphold its strong reputation in research, innovation, and community impact. In line with its commitment to advancing scientific inquiry and improving public health outcomes, the University invites applications for several project-based positions under ongoing and upcoming health-related research initiatives. These roles are offered within collaborative projects involving various research partners, including the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA), and are geared towards addressing contemporary public health challenges through evidence-based solutions.
The advertised positions are designed for professionals who are passionate about research, committed to excellence, and capable of contributing meaningfully to multidisciplinary project teams. These roles will support both short- and long-term projects focused on improving healthcare delivery, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and enhancing data-driven policy decision-making.
The available positions include:
- Senior Research Fellow (Health Economics)
- Study Nurse
- Laboratory Technologist
- Clinical Officer
Each position plays a critical role in advancing the project’s objectives and in ensuring that research outcomes are effectively translated into public health interventions. Below is a detailed overview of each role and its key responsibilities.
Senior Research Fellow (Health Economics)
The Senior Research Fellow (Health Economics) will be a key member of the multidisciplinary research team working on the design, implementation, and evaluation of health economics components within ongoing projects. The position is responsible for generating high-quality evidence to inform health policy and financing decisions in Kenya and the broader region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the economic evaluation components of health research projects, including cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit analyses.
- Develop and apply health economic models to assess the impact and sustainability of healthcare interventions.
- Conduct health financing analyses to examine efficiency, equity, and resource allocation in healthcare systems.
- Collaborate with epidemiologists, statisticians, clinicians, and policymakers to integrate economic evidence into multidisciplinary studies.
- Supervise junior researchers, research assistants, and data analysts involved in health economics work.
- Design and manage field data collection related to economic outcomes, including surveys and costing exercises.
- Analyze and interpret complex datasets to produce policy-relevant outputs such as policy briefs, working papers, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Participate in the preparation of project proposals and grant applications that include an economic component.
- Represent the research team in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and conferences, providing insights on health economics findings.
- Ensure that all economic evaluations and analyses adhere to ethical, scientific, and institutional standards.
This position demands strong analytical capacity, advanced quantitative skills, and experience in applying economic theory to health and development issues. The Senior Research Fellow will also contribute to capacity building by mentoring staff and students engaged in health economics research at the University.
Deadline for Application: Monday, October 20, 2025
Study Nurse
The Study Nurse will be responsible for implementing clinical and research procedures within the assigned project, ensuring compliance with study protocols and ethical standards. The role will involve working directly with study participants, supporting data collection, and maintaining the highest standards of clinical care and participant safety.
Key Responsibilities:
- Recruit, screen, and enroll eligible study participants according to approved protocols and inclusion criteria.
- Obtain informed consent from participants in compliance with ethical and institutional requirements.
- Conduct physical examinations, collect biological samples (such as blood, urine, and swabs), and record clinical observations accurately.
- Administer study interventions or treatments as per protocol, ensuring adherence to dosing and safety procedures.
- Monitor participants for adverse events and report them promptly in accordance with study guidelines.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical and study records, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.
- Coordinate participant follow-up visits and ensure timely completion of all study-related procedures.
- Liaise with laboratory teams to ensure proper handling, labeling, and storage of biological specimens.
- Collaborate with clinical officers, laboratory technologists, and data managers to ensure seamless study implementation.
- Participate in regular study team meetings to review progress, challenges, and protocol adherence.
- Provide health education to study participants and their families to promote understanding and compliance.
- Support audit and monitoring activities conducted by internal and external reviewers.
This position requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of clinical research processes. The Study Nurse plays a vital role in bridging clinical practice and research, ensuring participant welfare and study integrity.
Deadline for Application: Monday, October 20, 2025
Laboratory Technologist
The Laboratory Technologist will be responsible for performing laboratory analyses and supporting scientific investigations within the scope of the project. The role is instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results that underpin the study’s data and conclusions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct laboratory analyses of biological samples collected from study participants in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Perform routine and specialized diagnostic tests, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and timely reporting of results.
- Maintain laboratory instruments, perform calibration, and ensure that equipment is in proper working condition.
- Prepare reagents, culture media, and other laboratory materials necessary for sample testing and analysis.
- Implement and maintain quality assurance and quality control systems within the laboratory.
- Maintain detailed records of laboratory tests, sample tracking, and analytical procedures in both electronic and manual formats.
- Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity standards when handling biological materials and hazardous substances.
- Participate in internal and external proficiency testing programs to ensure consistent performance.
- Support clinical and field teams by providing timely and accurate laboratory data for ongoing research.
- Assist in the development and validation of new laboratory methods and protocols as required by the project.
- Manage inventory and requisition laboratory supplies to prevent stockouts and ensure smooth operations.
- Ensure compliance with institutional, ethical, and regulatory requirements governing laboratory research.
The Laboratory Technologist will play a pivotal role in supporting the generation of reliable scientific evidence. The position calls for precision, professionalism, and adherence to international laboratory standards.
Deadline for Application: Monday, October 20, 2025
Clinical Officer
The Clinical Officer will provide clinical oversight and support to the research project, ensuring that all clinical components of the study are conducted ethically, safely, and effectively. The role involves managing participant care, conducting clinical assessments, and working closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve study objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct participant screening, clinical evaluations, and diagnostic procedures according to study protocols.
- Provide direct clinical care to study participants, including treatment, monitoring, and follow-up in line with clinical and research requirements.
- Support the implementation of study interventions, ensuring that all clinical activities are performed to the highest ethical and professional standards.
- Work in collaboration with nurses, laboratory technologists, and data teams to ensure smooth coordination of participant management and data flow.
- Record and maintain accurate clinical notes, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with study documentation standards.
- Identify, manage, and report adverse events and protocol deviations in a timely and compliant manner.
- Participate in regular clinical meetings to review participant safety, study progress, and data quality.
- Contribute to the training and mentorship of junior clinical and research staff involved in the project.
- Engage in community outreach and participant engagement activities to promote understanding of the study’s objectives.
- Provide input into study design, protocol development, and clinical data interpretation as required.
- Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards and institutional policies governing human research.
This position requires a high level of clinical competence, ethical integrity, and the ability to operate effectively in a research environment. The Clinical Officer will be instrumental in maintaining participant safety and ensuring the credibility of the clinical data collected.
Deadline for Application: Monday, October 20, 2025
Summary
These positions represent an opportunity to contribute to impactful, research-driven initiatives that aim to improve public health outcomes in Kenya and beyond. The University of Nairobi seeks professionals who demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and an unwavering dedication to excellence in research and service delivery. Successful candidates will join a dynamic team of experts and will have the opportunity to work in a stimulating environment that fosters scientific innovation, learning, and collaboration.
All roles are based within project frameworks supported by the University and its research partners. Employment will be on a project basis, with contract durations aligned with specific project timelines. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the responsibilities for each position and apply to the one that aligns best with their skills and professional background.
Deadline for all applications: Monday, October 20, 2025
