Advertised Date: 29th October 2025
Closing Date: 18th November 2025, 5:00 PM
Number of Applications: 39
Position: Research Scientist – Kakamega County
Job Type: Contract
Job Grade: KMR 06
Number of Vacancies: 2
Location: Kakamega County
Contact Email Address: [email protected]
Introduction
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a renowned national institution committed to advancing human health through research, innovation, and evidence-based knowledge generation. As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen scientific inquiry and address pressing public health concerns, the Institute is seeking qualified, motivated, and dedicated individuals to join its team in Kakamega County as Research Scientists.
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that informs health policy, enhances community well-being, and supports the development of scientific knowledge in Kenya and beyond. Successful candidates will work closely with multidisciplinary teams and partners to conduct field and social science research activities, ensuring high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting in alignment with institutional and ethical standards.
Job Description
The position of Research Scientist – Kakamega County is designed to support the implementation of field-based research activities within ongoing social science or behavioral research projects. The successful candidates will work under the supervision of a Social Scientist and collaborate with various project partners. The work requires a high level of professionalism, accuracy, discretion, and commitment to research ethics and participant welfare.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Scientist will be expected to perform the following core duties:
- Participant Engagement and Interviews
- Schedule appointments with study participants and ensure that interviews are conducted in accordance with approved ethical and research protocols.
- Administer informed consent and explain study objectives, procedures, and confidentiality measures to participants in a clear and culturally sensitive manner.
- Conduct structured or semi-structured research interviews, ensuring that responses are accurately captured and recorded.
- Transcription, Translation, and Data Management
- Transcribe recorded interviews verbatim and translate them into the required language where necessary.
- Submit typed transcripts, along with concise interview summary notes, to the Social Scientist within the specified timelines.
- Review transcripts for accuracy, ensuring that spelling, grammar, and formatting are consistent and meet professional research standards.
- Maintain organized electronic and physical records of all data collected, in accordance with institutional data management policies.
- Quality Assurance and Ethical Compliance
- Adhere strictly to confidentiality guidelines and ethical research standards, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive participant information.
- Participate in internal quality assurance reviews to ensure the accuracy and integrity of research data.
- Ensure that research activities are conducted in line with KEMRI’s established data protection and ethical procedures.
- Team Collaboration and Coordination
- Engage in regular debriefing sessions with the social science team to discuss progress, challenges, and emerging findings.
- Participate in scheduled planning meetings and conference calls with the Social Scientist and other study partners to align field activities with project objectives.
- Provide feedback and input on the design, implementation, and improvement of research tools and field protocols.
- Administrative and Other Responsibilities
- Prepare periodic reports summarizing field activities, data collection progress, and any issues encountered during fieldwork.
- Ensure timely submission of all assigned tasks, reports, and data files to the supervising officer.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Social Scientist or project leadership to support the overall success of the research project.
Vacancy Requirements
Candidates applying for the Research Scientist – Kakamega County position must meet the following mandatory requirements:
| # | Description | Requirement Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (preferably Anthropology or Sociology) from a recognized university | Mandatory |
| 2 | Strong written and oral communication skills | Mandatory |
| 3 | Proficiency with Microsoft Office | Mandatory |
| 4 | Willingness to reside in field study sites | Mandatory |
| 5 | Creating accurate written versions of audio recordings | Mandatory |
| 6 | Good typing speed and attention to detail | Mandatory |
| 7 | Excellent listening and reading skills | Mandatory |
| 8 | Strong translation skills | Mandatory |
Additional Information
The Research Scientist position requires a professional who can balance independent fieldwork with collaborative team participation. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage large volumes of qualitative data effectively.
Candidates must be willing to work in Kakamega County and reside within field study sites as required by the research program. Due to the nature of the work, the position may involve frequent interaction with community members, health workers, and local leaders, requiring the successful applicant to exercise cultural sensitivity, integrity, and discretion.
The ideal candidate should also demonstrate an ability to adapt to dynamic project needs and exhibit strong problem-solving capabilities when addressing challenges that arise in the field. Familiarity with social science methodologies, transcription protocols, and ethical considerations in research will be advantageous for success in this role.
Working Environment
The position is field-based and involves significant interaction with study participants and community stakeholders. Work may include travel to various field sites, conducting interviews in diverse community settings, and managing sensitive information responsibly.
The role will operate under the direct supervision of the Social Scientist, who will provide oversight, training, and support to ensure that all research procedures are conducted in line with institutional and project-specific requirements.
Regular reporting and participation in team meetings will be expected to ensure effective coordination of field activities, adherence to deadlines, and continuous improvement in data quality.
Reporting and Supervision
The successful candidate will report directly to the assigned Social Scientist. This supervision structure ensures effective communication, mentorship, and feedback during the research process. The position will also involve collaboration with other team members, including data analysts, research assistants, and project coordinators, depending on the study’s scope and objectives.
Ethical Conduct
All staff working with KEMRI are required to adhere to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and confidentiality. The Research Scientist must ensure that informed consent procedures are fully observed, participants’ privacy is protected, and all data collected is securely stored and used solely for research purposes.
Violation of ethical standards may result in disciplinary action in accordance with institutional policies.
Application Procedure
To apply for this position, candidates must be registered users on the KEMRI recruitment portal. Applicants should log into their accounts, navigate to the “Vacancies” section, view the specific post, and click on the “Apply for this job” button.
Candidates are required to provide an active email address and telephone contact number. These details will be used for official communication during the shortlisting and interview process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
During the interview, shortlisted applicants will be required to present original copies of the following documents for verification:
- National Identity Card
- Academic and professional certificates
- Original academic transcripts and testimonials
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Valid clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct)
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on 18th November 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
For inquiries related to this position or technical issues during application, candidates may contact the provided email address: [email protected].
This position offers an opportunity for individuals passionate about research and social sciences to contribute to impactful projects addressing real-world health and social issues. By joining KEMRI, successful candidates will become part of a dedicated team committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving community health outcomes.
