The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced a comprehensive recruitment drive featuring multiple vacancies across research, administration, finance, laboratory sciences, and operational support functions. These opportunities are designed to strengthen institutional capacity in delivering cutting-edge health research, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence within Kenya’s public health ecosystem.
KEMRI, as a premier national research institution, continues to play a central role in advancing scientific knowledge, supporting evidence-based healthcare interventions, and collaborating with global research partners. The current recruitment initiative targets professionals at different levels, ranging from entry-level administrative roles to advanced research fellowships and senior scientific positions.
This recruitment drive presents an opportunity for qualified candidates to contribute to impactful health research programs, support critical laboratory operations, and enhance institutional efficiency across multiple departments.
All positions are offered on contract terms unless otherwise specified, with duty stations primarily in Kisumu, Homabay, and other KEMRI-affiliated research centers.
Laboratory Technologist – Kisumu (Job Ref: VN00913)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: 19 March 2026
Job Description
The Laboratory Technologist will support clinical and research laboratory operations within KEMRI programs. The role focuses on ensuring accurate laboratory testing, maintaining quality standards, and supporting scientific investigations.
Key Responsibilities
The Laboratory Technologist will be responsible for conducting laboratory analyses in accordance with established protocols and standard operating procedures. This includes processing biological samples, performing diagnostic and research tests, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.
The role involves maintaining laboratory equipment, including calibration, troubleshooting, and routine servicing to ensure optimal performance. The officer will also be expected to manage laboratory reagents and supplies, ensuring proper storage, inventory control, and timely replenishment.
Additionally, the position requires strict adherence to biosafety and biosecurity standards, including proper waste disposal and infection prevention protocols. The technologist will support quality assurance programs by participating in internal and external quality control assessments.
Documentation and reporting form a key part of the role, including maintaining laboratory records, test results, and compliance documentation. The technologist will also collaborate with research teams to support ongoing studies and clinical trials.
Data Clerk – Kisumu (Job Ref: VN00914)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: 19 March 2026
Job Description
The Data Clerk will support data management processes within research and programmatic operations, ensuring accurate data capture, validation, and storage.
Key Responsibilities
The Data Clerk will be responsible for entering, verifying, and updating data in designated systems, ensuring completeness and accuracy of records. The role includes reviewing data for inconsistencies and resolving discrepancies in collaboration with relevant teams.
The officer will support data cleaning and preparation processes, ensuring datasets are ready for analysis. This includes maintaining data confidentiality and adhering to data protection protocols.
The position also requires organizing and maintaining both electronic and physical records, ensuring easy retrieval and compliance with institutional data management policies.
The Data Clerk will generate routine reports, support field data collection activities, and coordinate with data managers to ensure timely submission of datasets.
Data Manager (Job Ref: VN00915)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 23 March 2026
Job Description
The Data Manager will oversee data systems, governance frameworks, and data quality assurance processes within research projects and institutional programs.
Key Responsibilities
The Data Manager will design and implement data management systems, including databases and data collection tools, ensuring alignment with research protocols and institutional standards.
The role includes supervising data collection, validation, and storage processes, ensuring high-quality datasets for analysis and reporting. The officer will establish data governance frameworks, including data security, access control, and compliance with ethical guidelines.
The position requires developing data management plans, standard operating procedures, and documentation frameworks for research projects. The Data Manager will also provide technical guidance to data clerks and field teams.
The role involves supporting data analysis by preparing datasets, generating reports, and collaborating with researchers and statisticians. Continuous monitoring and improvement of data processes is a core responsibility.
Finance & Administration Officer (Job Ref: VN00916)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 06
Application Deadline: 23 March 2026
Job Description
The Finance & Administration Officer will support financial management, administrative coordination, and compliance functions within KEMRI programs.
Key Responsibilities
The officer will manage financial transactions, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting. This includes ensuring compliance with institutional and donor requirements.
The role involves supporting procurement processes, managing vendor payments, and maintaining accurate financial records. The officer will also assist in audit processes by preparing documentation and responding to audit queries.
On the administrative side, the role includes coordinating office operations, managing logistics, and supporting program implementation activities.
The officer will ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal controls, and reporting standards, while providing administrative support to program teams.
Personal Assistant & Operations Coordinator (Job Ref: VN00917)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: 23 March 2026
Job Description
This role combines executive support with operational coordination, ensuring efficient workflow and administrative support to senior management.
Key Responsibilities
The Personal Assistant will manage executive schedules, coordinate meetings, and handle correspondence on behalf of senior leadership. The role includes preparing reports, presentations, and briefing materials.
The Operations Coordinator function involves supporting project implementation, tracking deliverables, and ensuring alignment with operational plans.
The officer will coordinate communication across departments, manage documentation, and support decision-making processes through timely information management.
Receptionist (Job Ref: VN00918)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: 25 March 2026
Job Description
The Receptionist will manage front office operations and serve as the first point of contact for visitors and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
The role includes receiving and directing visitors, handling incoming calls, and managing inquiries professionally. The receptionist will maintain visitor logs, coordinate appointments, and support general administrative functions.
The position requires maintaining a professional front office environment and supporting communication between departments and external stakeholders.
Executive Office Associate (Operations) (Job Ref: VN00919)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 25 March 2026
Job Description
The Executive Office Associate will support high-level operational functions, including coordination of executive office activities and strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
The role involves supporting executive operations, managing documentation, and coordinating meetings and events. The officer will assist in tracking strategic initiatives and ensuring timely execution of action points.
The position requires liaising with internal and external stakeholders, preparing reports, and supporting institutional governance processes.
Administrative and Regulatory Affairs Officer (Job Ref: VN00920)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 06
Application Deadline: 25 March 2026
Job Description
The officer will support regulatory compliance, administrative processes, and coordination of institutional policies.
Key Responsibilities
The role includes ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, preparing documentation for approvals, and supporting audits and inspections.
The officer will coordinate policy implementation, maintain compliance records, and liaise with regulatory bodies.
Administrative responsibilities include supporting documentation, reporting, and coordination of institutional processes.
Laboratory Technologist – Homabay (Job Ref: VN00921)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: 25 March 2026
Job Description
This role mirrors the Kisumu Laboratory Technologist position, focusing on laboratory operations within the Homabay research site.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include conducting laboratory tests, maintaining equipment, ensuring quality control, managing samples, and supporting research activities in compliance with laboratory standards.
Baby Minder – Kisumu (Job Ref: VN00922)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 09
Application Deadline: 26 March 2026
Job Description
The Baby Minder will support childcare services within institutional facilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
Key Responsibilities
The role involves supervising children, maintaining hygiene standards, supporting feeding routines, and ensuring a safe environment.
The officer will also monitor child development activities and coordinate with parents or guardians where necessary.
PhD Fellowship – KEMRI (Kenya and Oslo, Norway) (Job Ref: VN00923)
Employment Type: Internship
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: 26 March 2026
Job Description
The PhD Fellowship provides an opportunity for advanced research training in collaboration with international institutions.
Key Responsibilities
The fellow will conduct independent research under supervision, contribute to scientific publications, and participate in collaborative research programs.
The role includes data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research findings.
Postdoctoral Fellowship – KEMRI (Kenya and Oslo, Norway) (Job Ref: VN00924)
Employment Type: Internship
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: 26 March 2026
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Fellow will engage in advanced research activities, contributing to ongoing projects and leading independent studies.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include designing research studies, publishing findings, mentoring junior researchers, and supporting grant development.
PhD Studentship – KEMRI and University of Bergen (Job Ref: VN00925)
Employment Type: Internship
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: 26 March 2026
Job Description
The PhD Studentship focuses on structured doctoral training in collaboration with international academic institutions.
Key Responsibilities
The student will undertake coursework, research activities, and thesis development, contributing to scientific knowledge and innovation.
Postdoctoral Researcher (Job Ref: VN00926)
Employment Type: Internship
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Researcher will support high-level research initiatives, including data analysis, publications, and project leadership.
Key Responsibilities
The role includes conducting research, supervising junior staff, preparing grant proposals, and contributing to institutional research outputs.
Clinical Research Scientist – KEMRI-CGHR (Job Ref: VN00927)
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Job Description
The Clinical Research Scientist will lead and support clinical research studies within the KEMRI Centre for Global Health Research.
Key Responsibilities
The role involves designing and implementing clinical studies, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards, and managing study protocols.
The scientist will oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
The position also includes supervising research staff, engaging stakeholders, and contributing to scientific publications and policy development.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the specific job references and submit their applications through the official KEMRI recruitment portal before the respective deadlines.
All applications must be submitted within the stated timelines, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
