The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced 14 new career opportunities across various departments and research programs in Kenya. The vacancies target professionals in research, clinical services, pharmacy, data management, epidemiology, social sciences, community health, and academic research.
These opportunities are available in Nairobi, Kilifi, Mombasa, Migori, Kisumu, Kisii, and Homa Bay Counties. The openings include contract-based positions as well as internship opportunities, offering candidates a chance to contribute to cutting-edge health research and public health interventions in Kenya.
Below is a detailed overview of all the available positions.
1. Research Intern (2 Positions)
Employment Type: Internship
Location: Various KEMRI Research Programs
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
The Research Intern position provides an opportunity for graduates and early-career researchers to gain practical experience in health research environments while supporting ongoing scientific projects.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Support research teams in implementing study activities.
- Assist in data collection and data entry processes.
- Participate in literature reviews and background research.
- Support preparation of research reports and presentations.
- Assist in organizing field and laboratory activities.
- Maintain research records and documentation.
- Participate in meetings and project discussions.
- Support monitoring and evaluation activities as assigned.
2. Program Assistant – Nairobi (1 Position)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
The Program Assistant will provide administrative and operational support to research programs and ensure smooth coordination of project activities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to project teams.
- Coordinate meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.
- Manage project documentation and records.
- Assist in budget tracking and reporting activities.
- Support procurement and logistical arrangements.
- Prepare correspondence and project reports.
- Maintain communication with project partners and stakeholders.
- Support implementation of project work plans.
3. Assistant Research Officer – Chanjo Hub – Nairobi (2 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
The Assistant Research Officer will support implementation of research activities under the Chanjo Hub initiative and contribute to data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct research and field activities according to study protocols.
- Collect, verify, and manage research data.
- Assist in participant recruitment and follow-up activities.
- Support preparation of research reports and publications.
- Ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain study records and documentation.
- Participate in project meetings and technical discussions.
- Support dissemination of research findings.
4. Assistant Research Officer (Social Science) – Nairobi/Mombasa (2 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi and Mombasa
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
The role focuses on social science research activities aimed at understanding behavioral, social, and community-related aspects of health programs.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative social science research.
- Facilitate interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys.
- Collect and manage field research data.
- Assist in data analysis and interpretation.
- Prepare research reports and technical documentation.
- Engage communities and study participants.
- Support ethical conduct of research activities.
- Contribute to dissemination of findings.
5. Community Health Worker – Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kisumu (6 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kisumu Counties
Application Deadline: 28 June 2026
Community Health Workers will support community-based health interventions and facilitate engagement between research teams and local communities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct community mobilization and sensitization activities.
- Support participant identification and recruitment.
- Conduct household visits and follow-up activities.
- Deliver health education and awareness messages.
- Support referral of community members to health facilities.
- Maintain community activity records.
- Participate in health campaigns and outreach programs.
- Report community health concerns and emerging issues.
6. Assistant Data Manager – Migori and Kisumu Counties (2 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Migori and Kisumu Counties
Application Deadline: 28 June 2026
The Assistant Data Manager will support data management processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity of research information.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage study databases and data systems.
- Perform data cleaning and quality assurance checks.
- Support data entry and validation processes.
- Generate routine data reports.
- Ensure data security and confidentiality.
- Assist in database maintenance and updates.
- Support statistical and analytical activities.
- Maintain documentation related to data management procedures.
7. Clinical Officer – Homa Bay and Migori Counties (4 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Homa Bay and Migori Counties
Application Deadline: 28 June 2026
Clinical Officers will provide clinical services and support implementation of health research projects in designated study sites.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct patient assessment and clinical examinations.
- Provide treatment and follow-up care according to protocols.
- Support participant recruitment and screening activities.
- Maintain accurate patient and study records.
- Monitor participant safety during research activities.
- Support implementation of clinical study procedures.
- Participate in health education and counseling activities.
- Prepare clinical reports and documentation.
8. Pharmaceutical Technologist – Kisii and Kisumu (3 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kisii and Kisumu
Application Deadline: 28 June 2026
The Pharmaceutical Technologist will support pharmaceutical services and ensure proper management of medicines and medical supplies.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Dispense medicines according to approved procedures.
- Manage pharmaceutical inventory and stock records.
- Support procurement and storage of medicines.
- Monitor drug utilization and stock levels.
- Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
- Maintain pharmacy documentation and records.
- Participate in quality assurance activities.
- Provide medicine-related information to patients and staff.
9. Pharmacist – Kilifi (2 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
The Pharmacist will oversee pharmaceutical operations and support research and clinical programs requiring pharmacy services.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage pharmaceutical services and operations.
- Ensure safe and effective use of medicines.
- Supervise dispensing and inventory management activities.
- Monitor compliance with pharmaceutical standards.
- Support clinical and research projects involving medicines.
- Maintain pharmacy records and documentation.
- Participate in pharmacovigilance activities.
- Prepare pharmaceutical reports and recommendations.
10. Research Officer (Social Science) – Mombasa (1 Position)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Mombasa
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
The Research Officer will lead social science research activities and contribute to study design, implementation, and dissemination of findings.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and implement social science research studies.
- Coordinate field research activities.
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
- Prepare technical reports and scientific publications.
- Supervise research assistants and field teams.
- Ensure adherence to research ethics and protocols.
- Engage stakeholders and community partners.
- Support grant and project reporting requirements.
11. Post Doctoral Researcher – CARISSA Study – Kilifi (1 Position)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
The Post Doctoral Researcher will contribute to advanced research activities under the CARISSA Study and support generation of scientific evidence.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct high-level scientific research.
- Design and implement research methodologies.
- Analyze complex research data.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Prepare grant proposals and technical reports.
- Mentor junior researchers and students.
- Collaborate with local and international research partners.
- Present findings at scientific conferences and forums.
12. Post Doctoral Researcher – PHISG – Nairobi (1 Position)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
The role involves conducting advanced research activities and contributing to scientific innovation within the PHISG program.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead research activities within assigned projects.
- Develop study protocols and analytical frameworks.
- Conduct data analysis and interpretation.
- Prepare scientific manuscripts and publications.
- Support research capacity strengthening initiatives.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Participate in grant development activities.
- Disseminate research findings to stakeholders.
13. Post-Doctoral Researcher – Nairobi/Kilifi (2 Positions)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Nairobi and Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
The Post-Doctoral Researcher will undertake independent and collaborative research while contributing to KEMRI’s scientific agenda.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and execute research projects.
- Conduct advanced statistical and scientific analyses.
- Develop publications and technical reports.
- Participate in grant-writing initiatives.
- Mentor junior researchers and interns.
- Support strategic research planning.
- Collaborate with national and international partners.
- Present research findings at conferences and workshops.
14. Epidemiology and Demography Departmental Manager – Kilifi (1 Position)
Employment Type: Contract
Location: Kilifi
Application Deadline: 16 June 2026
This is the most senior position among the advertised opportunities and involves providing strategic leadership for epidemiology and demography research activities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and management of departmental operations.
- Develop and implement departmental strategies and work plans.
- Coordinate epidemiological and demographic research programs.
- Manage departmental budgets and resources.
- Supervise research and administrative staff.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulations.
- Foster collaborations with research partners and stakeholders.
- Oversee preparation of departmental reports and publications.
- Support fundraising and grant acquisition initiatives.
- Promote scientific excellence and research impact.
Summary of Available Positions
- Research Intern – 2 Positions
- Program Assistant – Nairobi – 1 Position
- Assistant Research Officer – Chanjo Hub – Nairobi – 2 Positions
- Assistant Research Officer (Social Science) – Nairobi/Mombasa – 2 Positions
- Community Health Worker – 6 Positions
- Assistant Data Manager – 2 Positions
- Clinical Officer – 4 Positions
- Pharmaceutical Technologist – 3 Positions
- Pharmacist – 2 Positions
- Research Officer (Social Science) – 1 Position
- Post Doctoral Researcher – CARISSA Study – 1 Position
- Post Doctoral Researcher – PHISG – 1 Position
- Post-Doctoral Researcher – Nairobi/Kilifi – 2 Positions
- Epidemiology and Demography Departmental Manager – 1 Position
Interested candidates should submit their applications before the respective deadlines indicated for each position.
