Kenya Medical Research Institute has announced 14 new career and internship opportunities across Kenya for qualified professionals, researchers, technical staff, and recent graduates seeking to work in health research and public health programs.
The vacancies are spread across multiple counties including Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Kilifi, Mombasa, Suba, and Mbita. The openings include contract-based roles, research positions, internships, and senior leadership opportunities within ongoing health and scientific research programmes.
These opportunities provide candidates with a chance to contribute to important medical and public health research initiatives while working with one of Kenya’s leading health research institutions.
Applications are currently open, with deadlines ranging between 1 June 2026 and 16 June 2026 depending on the role.
Below is a breakdown of all the advertised positions.
1. Research Assistant – Suba/Mbita (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00967
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Suba/Mbita
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026 at 5:00 PM
Role Summary
The Research Assistant will support implementation of field-based research activities in Suba and Mbita. The role involves working closely with study participants, collecting field data, assisting with sample handling where necessary, maintaining study records, and supporting project teams to ensure smooth delivery of research objectives.
Key Duties
- Support field research activities and participant follow-up
- Collect and document research data accurately
- Assist with community engagement and mobilization activities
- Maintain study files and participant records
- Coordinate research logistics in the field
- Support data quality checks and reporting
- Work closely with project investigators and site teams
2. Project Manager – Kirinyaga (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00968
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Kirinyaga
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026 at 5:00 PM
Role Summary
The Project Manager will provide overall leadership and coordination of project implementation in Kirinyaga. The role focuses on project planning, team supervision, stakeholder coordination, operational delivery, monitoring progress, and ensuring project goals are achieved within timelines.
Key Duties
- Lead day-to-day project implementation
- Develop work plans and implementation schedules
- Coordinate project staff and field operations
- Monitor deliverables, timelines, and milestones
- Prepare progress reports and project updates
- Manage relationships with partners and stakeholders
- Support budgeting and operational planning
- Ensure compliance with project procedures and reporting requirements
3. Research Assistant – Kirinyaga (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00969
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Kirinyaga
Job Grade: KMR 06
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026 at 5:00 PM
Role Summary
The Research Assistant will support data collection and research implementation activities in Kirinyaga. The role requires working directly with project teams in field operations and supporting participant engagement and data management.
Key Duties
- Support field research implementation
- Collect project data and maintain records
- Assist with interviews, questionnaires, and participant follow-up
- Organize field documentation
- Support project reporting activities
- Maintain quality control during data collection
4. Medical Imaging Technologist – Kirinyaga (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00970
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Kirinyaga
Job Grade: KMR 08
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026 at 5:00 PM
Role Summary
The Medical Imaging Technologist will support diagnostic imaging work within the project. The role includes conducting imaging procedures, supporting clinicians and researchers with imaging requirements, maintaining imaging records, and ensuring proper use of equipment.
Key Duties
- Conduct medical imaging procedures
- Support project-related diagnostic services
- Maintain imaging records and documentation
- Ensure imaging equipment is properly handled and maintained
- Work with clinicians and researchers in participant assessments
- Support quality assurance and imaging standards compliance
5. Program Assistant – Nairobi (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00971
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Nairobi
Job Grade: KMR 06
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 at 5:00 PM
Role Summary
The Program Assistant will provide administrative and operational support to programme teams in Nairobi. The role supports coordination, documentation, scheduling, reporting, and programme implementation.
Key Duties
- Provide programme administrative support
- Coordinate meetings and logistics
- Prepare reports and maintain programme records
- Support communication with internal teams and external stakeholders
- Track programme activities and timelines
- Assist in scheduling and event coordination
6. Research Intern (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00972
Employment Type: Internship
Number of Positions: 2
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 at 5:00 PM
Role Summary
The Research Internship offers an opportunity for early-career candidates to gain practical experience in health and medical research. Interns will support ongoing projects while learning research processes and institutional operations.
Key Duties
- Assist research teams in day-to-day project activities
- Support data collection and entry
- Help organize project documentation
- Participate in research coordination meetings
- Support literature review and reporting where required
- Provide operational support to project teams
7. Assistant Research Officer – Chanjo Hub – Nairobi (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00973
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
This role will support research activities under the Chanjo Hub programme in Nairobi. The position contributes to implementation of research studies, data management, coordination of activities, and reporting.
Key Duties
- Support execution of research studies
- Manage project documentation and records
- Coordinate field and office-based research operations
- Support data analysis and reporting
- Work closely with investigators and programme teams
8. Post-Doctoral Researcher – Nairobi/Kilifi (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00974
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Nairobi/Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
The Post-Doctoral Researcher will contribute to advanced scientific research activities including study design, data analysis, scientific writing, publication support, and technical leadership within ongoing programmes.
Key Duties
- Lead and support research design and implementation
- Conduct data analysis and interpretation
- Prepare scientific reports and publications
- Support grant and manuscript development
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams
- Mentor junior researchers and project staff
9. Research Officer (Social Science) – Mombasa (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00975
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Mombasa
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
The role supports social science research activities, including community-based studies, qualitative data collection, research analysis, and programme reporting.
Key Duties
- Coordinate social science research activities
- Support qualitative and field-based data collection
- Conduct interviews and community engagement sessions
- Support analysis and interpretation of findings
- Prepare research reports and documentation
- Work closely with project teams and field stakeholders
10. Post Doctoral Researcher – CARISSA Study – Kilifi (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00976
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
The Post Doctoral Researcher will support implementation of the CARISSA Study through advanced research work, technical analysis, and scientific reporting.
Key Duties
- Support delivery of CARISSA study objectives
- Lead scientific analysis and interpretation
- Prepare publications and reports
- Collaborate with internal and external researchers
- Contribute to project planning and implementation
11. Epidemiology and Demography Departmental Manager – Kilifi (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00977
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
This is a senior management role responsible for strategic and operational leadership of the Epidemiology and Demography Department in Kilifi.
Key Duties
- Provide leadership to the department
- Manage departmental planning and implementation
- Coordinate teams and departmental operations
- Oversee programme delivery and performance
- Support strategy development and institutional reporting
- Build collaboration across research units and external stakeholders
12. Post Doctoral Researcher – PHISG – Nairobi (1 Position)
Job Reference: VN00978
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
The Post Doctoral Researcher will contribute to research activities under the PHISG programme through technical research leadership, analysis, reporting, and publication.
Key Duties
- Lead research implementation
- Conduct data analysis
- Support scientific writing and publication development
- Collaborate with programme teams and researchers
- Prepare technical reports and presentations
13. Assistant Research Officer (Social Science) – Nairobi/Mombasa (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00979
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Nairobi/Mombasa
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
This role supports social science research implementation in Nairobi and Mombasa, with focus on field activities, qualitative research support, documentation, and reporting.
Key Duties
- Support social science fieldwork activities
- Assist with interviews and data collection
- Organize research records and documentation
- Support report preparation
- Coordinate with research teams and field stakeholders
14. Pharmacist – Kilifi (2 Positions)
Job Reference: VN00980
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 2
Location: Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
Role Summary
The Pharmacist will support pharmaceutical activities within research programmes, including management of medications, dispensing support, documentation, compliance, and pharmacy-related operational activities.
Key Duties
- Manage pharmaceutical supplies and stock
- Support dispensing and medication documentation
- Maintain pharmacy records
- Ensure compliance with pharmacy and research procedures
- Support project teams on medication-related activities
- Monitor safe handling and storage of pharmaceutical products
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications online through the official KEMRI careers portal before the stated deadline for each position.
Applicants are advised to review each vacancy carefully and submit their applications early before the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted.
Application Deadlines Summary
- 1 June 2026
- Research Assistant – Suba/Mbita
- Project Manager – Kirinyaga
- Research Assistant – Kirinyaga
- Medical Imaging Technologist – Kirinyaga
- 15 June 2026
- Program Assistant – Nairobi
- Research Intern
- 16 June 2026
- Assistant Research Officer – Chanjo Hub
- Post-Doctoral Researcher – Nairobi/Kilifi
- Research Officer (Social Science) – Mombasa
- Post Doctoral Researcher – CARISSA Study
- Epidemiology and Demography Departmental Manager
- Post Doctoral Researcher – PHISG
- Assistant Research Officer (Social Science) – Nairobi/Mombasa
- Pharmacist – Kilifi
