The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced multiple job vacancies across various departments and research programmes in Kenya. The vacancies provide opportunities for professionals seeking careers in medical research, laboratory sciences, epidemiology, healthcare administration, project management, data analytics, and research support services.
The positions are based in different counties including Nairobi, Kilifi, Kisumu, Isiolo, Kirinyaga, and Suba/Mbita. Most of the advertised opportunities are contract-based roles supporting ongoing health research programmes and specialized healthcare initiatives.
KEMRI remains one of Kenya’s leading medical research institutions and continues to play a critical role in public health research, disease surveillance, health systems strengthening, laboratory services, and community health interventions. The latest recruitment drive targets qualified candidates interested in contributing to scientific research and healthcare advancement in Kenya.
The vacancies range from entry-level research support roles to senior-level laboratory and project management positions.
Below is a detailed overview of all the advertised positions, including reference numbers, locations, employment terms, and role summaries.
List of KEMRI Job Vacancies May 2026
- Senior Laboratory Analyst (Laboratory Manager) – Kisumu – VN00953
- Laboratory Technologist – Isiolo County – VN00954
- Administrative Assistant – Kisumu – VN00955
- Assistant Research Officer (Biosciences) – Kilifi – VN00956
- Assistant Research Officer (Epidemiology) – Kilifi – VN00957
- Assistant Research Officer (School Engagement Programme) – Kilifi – VN00958
- Research Officer (Bioscience) – Kilifi or Nairobi – VN00959
- Research Officer (NEWRISK) – Kilifi – VN00960
- Research Officer (HSU) – Nairobi – VN00961
- Research Officer – Health Systems Evaluation and Data Analytics – Nairobi – VN00962
- Research Officer (Evaluating Hospital Workloads & Case-Mix) – Nairobi – VN00963
- Assistant Research Officer – Epidemiologist/Data Analyst – Nairobi – VN00964
- Research Officer – Data Management – Nairobi – VN00965
- Research Officer – Data Management – Wellcome Research Programme – Nairobi – VN00966
- Research Assistant – Suba/Mbita – VN00967
- Project Manager – Kirinyaga – VN00968
- Research Assistant – Kirinyaga – VN00969
- Medical Imaging Technologist – Kirinyaga – VN00970
1. Senior Laboratory Analyst (Laboratory Manager) – Kisumu
Reference Number: VN00953
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kisumu
Job Grade: KMR 05
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 19 May 2026
The Senior Laboratory Analyst (Laboratory Manager) position is a senior-level laboratory role responsible for overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring effective implementation of laboratory systems and procedures.
Key duties may include:
- Managing laboratory activities and workflows
- Supervising laboratory personnel
- Coordinating quality assurance and quality control procedures
- Ensuring compliance with laboratory standards and safety regulations
- Supporting research programmes through laboratory testing and analysis
- Managing laboratory equipment and inventory
- Preparing laboratory reports and documentation
- Supporting training and mentorship of junior laboratory staff
The role is suitable for experienced laboratory professionals interested in leadership and laboratory management within a research environment.
2. Laboratory Technologist – Isiolo County
Reference Number: VN00954
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Isiolo County
Job Grade: KMR 08
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 19 May 2026
The Laboratory Technologist position supports laboratory testing, specimen analysis, and research activities.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Conducting laboratory tests and analyses
- Collecting and processing specimens
- Maintaining laboratory equipment and instruments
- Recording laboratory findings accurately
- Supporting research and diagnostic services
- Following laboratory safety procedures
- Preparing reports and maintaining laboratory records
The role supports healthcare and research programmes requiring laboratory technical expertise.
3. Administrative Assistant – Kisumu
Reference Number: VN00955
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kisumu
Job Grade: KMR 08
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 19 May 2026
The Administrative Assistant role focuses on supporting office operations, coordination, and administrative functions within the programme.
Key duties may include:
- Managing office correspondence and communication
- Organizing meetings and schedules
- Maintaining records and filing systems
- Supporting procurement and logistics processes
- Preparing reports and administrative documents
- Assisting in coordination of programme activities
- Supporting office operations and workflow management
The position is ideal for candidates interested in administrative support within a research institution.
4. Assistant Research Officer (Biosciences) – Kilifi
Reference Number: VN00956
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi
Positions Available: 5
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Assistant Research Officer (Biosciences) role supports bioscience-related research projects and laboratory investigations.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Assisting in bioscience research activities
- Collecting and processing biological samples
- Supporting laboratory investigations and experiments
- Maintaining research data and records
- Assisting in preparation of research reports
- Supporting field and laboratory research coordination
- Ensuring compliance with research protocols
The role provides an opportunity for candidates interested in biomedical and bioscience research.
5. Assistant Research Officer (Epidemiology) – Kilifi
Reference Number: VN00957
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi
Positions Available: 2
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Assistant Research Officer (Epidemiology) position supports epidemiological studies and health research programmes.
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting epidemiological data collection
- Assisting in disease surveillance activities
- Conducting field research and interviews
- Managing and analyzing research data
- Supporting public health investigations
- Preparing research reports and summaries
- Coordinating research field activities
The role supports health research initiatives focused on disease trends and public health outcomes.
6. Assistant Research Officer (School Engagement Programme) – Kilifi
Reference Number: VN00958
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The School Engagement Programme role supports research outreach and school-based programme activities.
Key duties may include:
- Coordinating school engagement activities
- Supporting communication between researchers and schools
- Organizing programme events and meetings
- Supporting data collection and reporting
- Facilitating stakeholder engagement
- Assisting with programme administration
- Supporting awareness and education activities
The position supports research programmes involving community and educational institution engagement.
7. Research Officer (Bioscience) – Kilifi or Nairobi
Reference Number: VN00959
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi or Nairobi
Positions Available: 2
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Research Officer (Bioscience) role focuses on conducting bioscience-related research and supporting scientific investigations.
Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting scientific research activities
- Designing and implementing research protocols
- Managing laboratory and field research work
- Analyzing research findings and data
- Preparing scientific reports and publications
- Supporting research collaborations
- Ensuring compliance with ethical and research standards
The role supports advanced bioscience research programmes within KEMRI.
8. Research Officer (NEWRISK) – Kilifi
Reference Number: VN00960
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Research Officer (NEWRISK) position supports specialized research projects under the NEWRISK programme.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Supporting implementation of research studies
- Managing research data and documentation
- Conducting field and laboratory research activities
- Supporting analysis and reporting
- Coordinating project activities and timelines
- Engaging research stakeholders and partners
- Assisting in dissemination of research findings
The role contributes to ongoing health and research initiatives under the NEWRISK project.
9. Research Officer (HSU) – Nairobi
Reference Number: VN00961
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Research Officer (HSU) role supports research and programme implementation within the HSU unit.
Duties may include:
- Conducting health systems and research studies
- Managing programme data and records
- Supporting project implementation activities
- Preparing technical and research reports
- Coordinating stakeholder engagements
- Supporting monitoring and evaluation activities
- Assisting in policy and research analysis
The position supports research activities aimed at improving healthcare systems and services.
10. Research Officer – Health Systems Evaluation and Data Analytics – Nairobi
Reference Number: VN00962
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Positions Available: 2
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The role focuses on health systems evaluation, analytics, and research data interpretation.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Conducting health systems analysis
- Supporting data analytics and reporting
- Managing research datasets
- Evaluating programme performance and outcomes
- Preparing technical reports and presentations
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making
- Coordinating monitoring and evaluation activities
The role is important in supporting data-driven healthcare research and policy evaluation.
11. Research Officer (Evaluating Hospital Workloads & Case-Mix) – Nairobi
Reference Number: VN00963
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The position supports research related to hospital workloads, healthcare service delivery, and case-mix analysis.
Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting hospital workload assessments
- Supporting healthcare data analysis
- Evaluating case-mix trends and patterns
- Preparing analytical and technical reports
- Coordinating healthcare research activities
- Supporting stakeholder consultations
- Managing project documentation
The role contributes to healthcare systems research and service evaluation.
12. Assistant Research Officer – Epidemiologist/Data Analyst – Nairobi
Reference Number: VN00964
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Assistant Research Officer – Epidemiologist/Data Analyst role combines epidemiological research and data analytics responsibilities.
Key duties may include:
- Supporting epidemiological studies
- Managing and analyzing datasets
- Conducting statistical analysis
- Preparing research reports and visualizations
- Supporting disease surveillance activities
- Assisting with data quality assurance
- Coordinating research documentation
The role supports evidence-based research and health data analysis.
13. Research Officer – Data Management – Nairobi
Reference Number: VN00965
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Research Officer – Data Management position focuses on research data coordination and management systems.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Managing research databases and datasets
- Supporting data cleaning and validation
- Developing data management procedures
- Ensuring data integrity and security
- Preparing data reports and summaries
- Supporting research teams with data access
- Coordinating data management activities
The role supports effective handling of research information and datasets.
14. Research Officer – Data Management – Wellcome Research Programme – Nairobi
Reference Number: VN00966
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
The Research Officer – Data Management role under the Wellcome Research Programme supports data systems and research information management.
Responsibilities may include:
- Managing research databases
- Supporting data collection and storage systems
- Conducting data quality assurance checks
- Supporting analytics and reporting functions
- Coordinating data management activities
- Ensuring compliance with data governance standards
- Supporting research programme implementation
The role supports large-scale research programme operations and data systems.
15. Research Assistant – Suba/Mbita
Reference Number: VN00967
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Suba/Mbita
Job Grade: KMR 07
Positions Available: 2
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
The Research Assistant role supports field and research activities within the programme.
Key duties may include:
- Assisting with data collection
- Supporting field research activities
- Conducting interviews and surveys
- Managing research records and documentation
- Supporting community engagement activities
- Assisting in report preparation
- Supporting project coordination activities
The role provides practical experience in health and research programme implementation.
16. Project Manager – Kirinyaga
Reference Number: VN00968
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kirinyaga
Job Grade: KMR 05
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
The Project Manager role involves overseeing project implementation, coordination, and delivery.
Responsibilities may include:
- Coordinating project activities and timelines
- Managing project teams and operations
- Supporting budget and resource management
- Preparing project reports and updates
- Coordinating stakeholder engagement
- Monitoring project performance and deliverables
- Ensuring compliance with programme requirements
The role is suitable for professionals experienced in programme and project coordination.
17. Research Assistant – Kirinyaga
Reference Number: VN00969
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kirinyaga
Job Grade: KMR 06
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
The Research Assistant position supports research implementation and data collection activities.
Key duties may include:
- Assisting with research fieldwork
- Collecting and recording research data
- Supporting participant engagement
- Maintaining research documentation
- Assisting in report preparation
- Supporting project logistics and coordination
- Ensuring compliance with research procedures
The role supports day-to-day research operations within the project.
18. Medical Imaging Technologist – Kirinyaga
Reference Number: VN00970
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kirinyaga
Job Grade: KMR 08
Positions Available: 1
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
The Medical Imaging Technologist role supports diagnostic imaging services and research-related imaging procedures.
Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting medical imaging procedures
- Operating imaging equipment
- Maintaining imaging records and reports
- Supporting patient preparation and care
- Ensuring imaging quality standards
- Following radiation safety procedures
- Supporting healthcare and research teams
The role supports healthcare delivery and specialized diagnostic services.
Important Application Deadlines
- 19 May 2026
- Senior Laboratory Analyst (Laboratory Manager)
- Laboratory Technologist
- Administrative Assistant
- 27 May 2026
- Assistant Research Officer (Biosciences)
- Assistant Research Officer (Epidemiology)
- Assistant Research Officer (School Engagement Programme)
- Research Officer (Bioscience)
- Research Officer (NEWRISK)
- Research Officer (HSU)
- Research Officer – Health Systems Evaluation and Data Analytics
- Research Officer (Evaluating Hospital Workloads & Case-Mix)
- Assistant Research Officer – Epidemiologist/Data Analyst
- Research Officer – Data Management
- Research Officer – Data Management – Wellcome Research Programme
- 1 June 2026
- Research Assistant – Suba/Mbita
- Project Manager – Kirinyaga
- Research Assistant – Kirinyaga
- Medical Imaging Technologist – Kirinyaga
KEMRI continues to offer employment opportunities for professionals seeking careers in healthcare research, laboratory sciences, epidemiology, project management, administration, and data analytics. The vacancies provide opportunities to work within one of Kenya’s leading medical research institutions and contribute to impactful public health and scientific research programmes.
