KEMRI Invites Qualified Applicants to Apply for Multiple Career Opportunities – April 2026
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is one of Africa’s leading research institutions dedicated to improving human health through innovative scientific research, capacity building, and evidence-based solutions. With research centres across Kenya including Nairobi, Kilifi, and Kisumu, KEMRI continues to play a vital role in advancing medical research, disease surveillance, and public health interventions.
To support its growing research programmes and operational needs, KEMRI is currently recruiting qualified and motivated professionals to fill several contract-based positions across different departments. These roles provide an opportunity for professionals in research, administration, clinical practice, laboratory science, data management, and project management to contribute to impactful health research initiatives.
The advertised positions are located in Nairobi, Kilifi, and Kisumu, and cover areas such as clinical research, immunology, genomics, statistics, project coordination, and laboratory science. Successful candidates will work with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, clinicians, and research professionals committed to improving healthcare outcomes in Kenya and globally.
Below are the available positions and their key responsibilities.
1. Office & Research Administration Assistant – Trainee
Reference: VN00928
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 2
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: April 12, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Job Description
The trainee will support administrative and research coordination activities within the institute while gaining practical experience in research administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to research teams and project staff.
- Assist in coordinating meetings, workshops, and research activities.
- Support documentation, filing, and record management.
- Assist with preparation of reports and administrative correspondence.
- Support logistics for research projects and field activities.
- Maintain accurate administrative and project records.
2. Senior Administrative Officer
Reference: VN00929
Location: Kisumu
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: April 12, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Job Description
The Senior Administrative Officer will oversee administrative operations and support institutional activities within the Kisumu research facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate administrative functions within the research centre.
- Manage office operations including documentation and logistics.
- Support budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation processes.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
- Supervise administrative staff and coordinate office activities.
- Facilitate communication between departments and management.
3. Laboratory Technologists
Reference: VN00930
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 6
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Job Description
Laboratory Technologists will support biomedical research by conducting laboratory tests, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring compliance with laboratory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct laboratory analyses for research studies.
- Prepare samples and reagents for experiments and diagnostic testing.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper calibration.
- Record laboratory results and maintain research data.
- Follow biosafety and laboratory quality assurance protocols.
- Support research teams in experimental procedures.
4. Early Post-Doctoral Researcher – Immunology
Reference: VN00931
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The researcher will contribute to immunology research projects aimed at understanding immune responses and disease mechanisms.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct advanced research in immunology.
- Design and implement experimental protocols.
- Analyze research data and prepare scientific reports.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
- Publish research findings in scientific journals.
- Support research training and mentoring activities.
5. Project Manager
Reference: VN00932
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 2
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Project Manager will coordinate research projects, ensuring activities are delivered on time and in accordance with project objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
- Coordinate project teams and stakeholders.
- Monitor project progress and prepare performance reports.
- Ensure compliance with research and institutional guidelines.
- Facilitate communication between project partners.
- Oversee project implementation activities.
6. Clinical Officer
Reference: VN00933
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 2
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Clinical Officer will support clinical research and patient care activities within ongoing research projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clinical services related to research studies.
- Support patient recruitment and screening processes.
- Conduct clinical assessments and documentation.
- Ensure adherence to ethical and clinical research protocols.
- Maintain patient records and study documentation.
- Support monitoring of study participants.
7. Data Manager
Reference: VN00934
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 3
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Data Manager will oversee research data systems, ensuring accuracy, security, and proper data management practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain research data management systems.
- Monitor data collection and quality control processes.
- Ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
- Support data analysis and reporting activities.
- Maintain databases for research studies.
- Train staff on data management procedures.
8. Early Post-Doctoral Researcher (Bioscience)
Reference: VN00935
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 2
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The researcher will conduct advanced bioscience research within ongoing scientific studies.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct bioscience experiments.
- Analyze laboratory and field data.
- Prepare research publications and reports.
- Collaborate with internal and external research teams.
- Contribute to research project development.
9. Senior Post Doctoral Researcher – Lead Senior Clinical Scientist / Health Systems Implementation Scientist
Reference: VN00936
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Senior Researcher will provide leadership in clinical research and health systems implementation science.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead research initiatives in clinical and health systems studies.
- Provide technical guidance to research teams.
- Coordinate collaborative research activities.
- Develop research proposals and publications.
- Support research capacity building and mentorship.
10. Statistician
Reference: VN00937
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Statistician will provide statistical expertise for research projects including study design and data analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Design statistical models for research studies.
- Analyze complex datasets and interpret results.
- Prepare statistical reports and presentations.
- Support researchers in study design and methodology.
- Ensure quality control in statistical analysis.
11. Early Post-Doctoral Researcher (Malaria and Sickle Cell)
Reference: VN00938
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The role focuses on research related to malaria and sickle cell disease.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research on malaria and sickle cell disease.
- Analyze biological and clinical data.
- Support laboratory and field research activities.
- Prepare scientific manuscripts and reports.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
12. Early Post-Doctoral Researcher – Genomics
Reference: VN00939
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Genomics Researcher will support genomic research projects focusing on disease mechanisms and genetic analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct genomic sequencing and data analysis.
- Support development of genomic research methodologies.
- Collaborate with scientists in multidisciplinary research.
- Prepare research reports and publications.
13. Senior Post Doctoral Researcher – Statistician / Quantitative Lead
Reference: VN00940
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The role provides leadership in quantitative research and statistical analysis for complex studies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead quantitative analysis for research projects.
- Develop advanced statistical models.
- Provide technical guidance on research methodologies.
- Support interpretation and reporting of research data.
14. Early Post-Doctoral Researcher (Modelling)
Reference: VN00941
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The researcher will focus on modelling approaches to understand disease dynamics and public health interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop disease modelling frameworks.
- Analyze epidemiological data.
- Support research publications and reporting.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
15. Project Coordinator (Nursing / Midwifery Background)
Reference: VN00942
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Project Coordinator will support implementation and coordination of research projects related to healthcare delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate project activities and timelines.
- Support monitoring and evaluation processes.
- Liaise with healthcare facilities and research partners.
- Prepare project reports and documentation.
16. Clinical Trials Facility Manager
Reference: VN00943
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Clinical Trials Facility Manager will oversee the management of clinical trial infrastructure and operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage clinical trial facility operations.
- Ensure compliance with clinical research standards.
- Coordinate clinical trial logistics and resources.
- Supervise staff involved in clinical trial activities.
17. Clinical Officer
Reference: VN00944
Location: Kilifi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 2
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The Clinical Officer will support clinical care and research activities within the Kilifi research programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clinical care within research studies.
- Conduct patient assessments and follow-ups.
- Maintain clinical documentation and study records.
- Support participant recruitment and monitoring.
18. Early Post-Doctoral Researcher – Health Systems / Implementation Scientist
Reference: VN00945
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Positions: 1
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Job Description
The researcher will focus on health systems strengthening and implementation science research.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research on health systems and implementation strategies.
- Analyze program performance and outcomes.
- Develop policy-relevant research outputs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to improve health systems.
