JOB ADVERT – KENYA MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (KEMRI)
Active Job Vacancies – Contract Positions
KEMRI invites all qualified applicants to apply for the following advertised career opportunities.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a leading state corporation mandated to conduct health research that improves the quality of human life in Kenya and beyond. Over the past four decades, KEMRI has developed into a world-class centre of scientific excellence, driving impactful research, innovation, and public health solutions across the country. As part of its ongoing commitment to advance health research, improve disease surveillance, and strengthen health systems, KEMRI is seeking dynamic, motivated, and dedicated individuals to fill several contract positions across Kakamega and Kisumu counties.
These roles provide a unique opportunity to contribute directly to life-changing scientific work while serving communities and supporting national research priorities. Successful candidates will join multidisciplinary teams working in research projects aimed at disease prevention, diagnostics, epidemiology, data management, and public health response.
Below are the current vacancies:
1. Research Scientist – Kakamega County
Job Reference: VN00883
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 2
Job Grade: KMR 06
Application Deadline: 18 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Research Scientist will support the design, coordination, and implementation of scientific studies within ongoing research projects in Kakamega County. Key responsibilities include:
- Participating in planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting of research activities.
- Conducting scientific data collection in accordance with study protocols and ethical guidelines.
- Supporting development of research tools, data quality procedures, and study workflows.
- Drafting scientific reports, summaries, and contributing to publications.
- Ensuring compliance with research standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborating with field teams, laboratory units, and external partners to achieve project objectives.
- Assisting in logistical coordination for fieldwork, trainings, and stakeholder engagements.
2. Study Doctor – Kisumu
Job Reference: VN00884
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Study Doctor will support medical oversight and clinical procedures within assigned research studies in Kisumu. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting participant clinical assessments, examinations, and follow-up visits.
- Providing medical care, counselling, and ensuring participant safety throughout study participation.
- Reviewing clinical findings and verifying accuracy of medical data captured in case report forms.
- Ensuring adherence to study protocols, good clinical practice, and ethical standards.
- Participating in screening, enrolment, and management of study volunteers.
- Supporting management of adverse events and reporting safety information as required.
- Liaising with clinical teams to coordinate study flow and ensure operational efficiency.
3. Data Manager – Kisumu
Job Reference: VN00885
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Data Manager will ensure efficient data systems, quality assurance, and database management for research projects. Responsibilities include:
- Managing data collection platforms, study databases, and electronic data capture tools.
- Conducting data cleaning, validation checks, and ensuring high-quality datasets.
- Preparing data summaries, reports, and supporting statistical analysis workflows.
- Training study staff on data entry procedures, tools, and quality standards.
- Maintaining secure and organised data backups and documentation.
- Working closely with investigators to support data needs throughout project phases.
4. Study Nurse – Kisumu
Job Reference: VN00886
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Study Nurse will support clinical and research procedures involving study participants. Duties include:
- Conducting participant screening, consenting, enrolment, and follow-up.
- Performing nursing procedures such as sample collection, vital signs assessment, and clinical documentation.
- Providing health education, counselling, and participant support throughout the study.
- Maintaining accurate medical and research records.
- Ensuring compliance with study protocols, safety procedures, and ethical standards.
- Coordinating clinic flow and supporting the clinical team during study activities.
5. Research Assistant – Kisumu
Job Reference: VN00887
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Research Assistant will support field and clinic-based research procedures. Responsibilities include:
- Collecting high-quality research data in accordance with study protocols.
- Conducting participant interviews, questionnaires, and community-based follow-ups.
- Assisting in organisation of study files, forms, and documentation.
- Supporting sample handling, labelling, storage, and transportation.
- Ensuring proper reporting of activities, challenges, and progress to supervisors.
- Providing logistical support during field visits, stakeholder meetings, and trainings.
6. Data Clerk – Kisumu
Job Reference: VN00888
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 08
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Data Clerk will support accurate entry and organisation of study data. Duties include:
- Entering collected data into study databases and verifying accuracy.
- Organising data files, forms, and study records for easy retrieval.
- Assisting with data quality checks and error correction.
- Supporting preparation of basic data summaries and reports.
- Coordinating with data managers to ensure consistency in data procedures.
7. Driver – Kisumu
Job Reference: VN00889
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 08
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Driver will provide transport and logistical support to research teams. Responsibilities include:
- Safely transporting staff, study participants, and materials to and from field sites.
- Ensuring proper maintenance, cleanliness, and security of assigned vehicles.
- Maintaining accurate transport logs, fuel records, and trip reports.
- Supporting delivery and collection of research supplies, equipment, and documents.
- Assisting in field logistics and ensuring compliance with road and safety regulations.
8. Administration and Operations Coordinator – Kisumu
Job Reference: VN00890
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Administration and Operations Coordinator will oversee administrative, operational, and logistical functions for research activities. Duties include:
- Coordinating office operations, procurement requests, and administrative workflows.
- Managing schedules, meetings, communication, and fieldwork logistics.
- Supporting financial processes such as requisitions, activity budgets, and documentation.
- Ensuring smooth functioning of project activities through efficient resource planning.
- Providing administrative support to investigators, study teams, and partners.
9. Field Technologist – Kakamega County
Job Reference: VN00891
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 08
Application Deadline: 1 December 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Field Technologist will support collection, handling, and processing of study samples. Responsibilities include:
- Collecting biological or environmental samples according to study guidelines.
- Processing, labelling, and storing samples while maintaining chain-of-custody procedures.
- Operating field equipment and ensuring proper calibration and maintenance.
- Supporting field data collection, participant tracking, and reporting.
- Assisting in logistics for fieldwork, trainings, and stakeholder engagements.
