The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced new contract employment opportunities for qualified professionals seeking to contribute to health research, laboratory services, biostatistics, and community engagement across Kenya.
The latest recruitment features eight vacancies based in Nairobi, Thika, Isiolo County, and Turkana County (Kakuma/Kalobeyei). These positions offer an opportunity to work with one of Kenya’s leading medical research institutions in supporting scientific research, disease surveillance, laboratory operations, data analysis, and community-based health programs.
The available opportunities are suited to professionals with expertise in biostatistics, laboratory sciences, research, project coordination, and community engagement.
Below is a detailed overview of all the available positions.
Available Positions
1. Senior Biostatistician
- Job Reference: VN00989
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Application Deadline: 15th July 2026
Job Overview
The Senior Biostatistician will provide advanced statistical leadership in research projects undertaken by KEMRI. The successful candidate will support study design, statistical modelling, data analysis, interpretation of research findings, and preparation of scientific reports and publications.
The role involves working closely with multidisciplinary research teams to ensure statistical integrity throughout the research process while supporting evidence-based decision-making.
2. Assistant Program Coordinator – Nairobi
- Job Reference: VN00990
- Job Grade: KMR 05
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Duty Station: Nairobi
- Application Deadline: 21st July 2026
Job Overview
The Assistant Program Coordinator will support the planning, coordination, monitoring, and implementation of research and program activities.
The successful candidate will assist in ensuring that project objectives are achieved within the required timelines while coordinating communication among project teams, stakeholders, and partners.
The role also supports operational planning, reporting, documentation, and day-to-day program administration.
3. Laboratory Technologist – Thika
- Job Reference: VN00991
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Duty Station: Thika
- Application Deadline: 22nd July 2026
Job Overview
The Laboratory Technologist will support laboratory-based research and diagnostic activities by conducting laboratory procedures in accordance with approved scientific protocols.
Key responsibilities include:
- Performing laboratory tests and analyses.
- Preparing laboratory samples and reagents.
- Operating laboratory equipment.
- Maintaining laboratory quality standards.
- Recording and documenting laboratory findings.
- Supporting research studies requiring laboratory investigations.
- Ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
4. Laboratory Analyst – Isiolo County
- Job Reference: VN00992
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Duty Station: Isiolo County
- Application Deadline: 27th July 2026
Job Overview
The Laboratory Analyst will support laboratory operations by conducting scientific analyses and ensuring the quality and accuracy of laboratory results.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting laboratory analyses.
- Processing biological samples.
- Maintaining laboratory records.
- Supporting quality assurance activities.
- Ensuring proper handling and storage of laboratory specimens.
- Maintaining laboratory equipment.
- Following laboratory safety and biosafety procedures.
- Supporting ongoing research and surveillance activities.
5. Senior Research Scientist – Turkana County (Kakuma/Kalobeyei)
- Job Reference: VN00993
- Job Grade: KMR 05
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Duty Station: Kakuma/Kalobeyei, Turkana County
- Application Deadline: 29th July 2026
Job Overview
The Senior Research Scientist will provide scientific leadership for research projects implemented in Turkana County.
The position supports research planning, implementation, supervision of field activities, data interpretation, and dissemination of research findings.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading research studies.
- Supervising research teams.
- Coordinating field research activities.
- Providing scientific oversight.
- Supporting proposal development.
- Monitoring research quality and compliance.
- Preparing technical and scientific reports.
- Publishing research findings.
- Collaborating with internal and external research partners.
6. Research Scientist – Turkana County (Kakuma/Kalobeyei)
- Job Reference: VN00994
- Job Grade: KMR 06
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Duty Station: Kakuma/Kalobeyei, Turkana County
- Application Deadline: 29th July 2026
Job Overview
The Research Scientist will support implementation of scientific studies while working alongside multidisciplinary research teams.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting research activities.
- Supporting field implementation.
- Collecting and analyzing research data.
- Preparing scientific documentation.
- Participating in study monitoring.
- Supporting data interpretation.
- Preparing reports and presentations.
- Collaborating with research stakeholders.
7. Biostatistician – Turkana County (Kakuma/Kalobeyei)
- Job Reference: VN00995
- Job Grade: KMR 06
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Duty Station: Kakuma/Kalobeyei, Turkana County
- Application Deadline: 29th July 2026
Job Overview
The Biostatistician will provide statistical support throughout the research lifecycle, ensuring appropriate data management and analysis.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing statistical analysis plans.
- Managing research datasets.
- Performing statistical analyses.
- Supporting data quality assurance.
- Interpreting statistical findings.
- Preparing analytical reports.
- Supporting manuscript preparation.
- Advising research teams on statistical methodologies.
8. Community Liaison Officer – Turkana County (Kakuma/Kalobeyei)
- Job Reference: VN00996
- Job Grade: KMR 07
- Employment Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 1
- Duty Station: Kakuma/Kalobeyei, Turkana County
- Application Deadline: 29th July 2026
Job Overview
The Community Liaison Officer will strengthen collaboration between research teams and local communities participating in KEMRI projects.
The role focuses on community engagement, stakeholder communication, participant mobilization, and supporting ethical conduct of research activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating community engagement activities.
- Building relationships with community leaders and stakeholders.
- Supporting participant recruitment.
- Organizing community meetings and sensitization sessions.
- Facilitating communication between researchers and communities.
- Addressing community concerns.
- Supporting implementation of research activities.
- Preparing community engagement reports.
- Promoting ethical research practices.
Why Consider These KEMRI Opportunities?
These positions provide professionals with the opportunity to contribute to nationally and internationally recognized health research programs. Successful candidates will work alongside experienced researchers and multidisciplinary teams while supporting projects that contribute to improving healthcare, disease prevention, and public health outcomes in Kenya.
The vacancies are spread across multiple counties, offering opportunities in laboratory science, research, project coordination, community engagement, and statistical analysis.
Application Deadlines
- Senior Biostatistician (VN00989) – 15th July 2026
- Assistant Program Coordinator – Nairobi (VN00990) – 21st July 2026
- Laboratory Technologist – Thika (VN00991) – 22nd July 2026
- Laboratory Analyst – Isiolo County (VN00992) – 27th July 2026
- Senior Research Scientist – Turkana County (VN00993) – 29th July 2026
- Research Scientist – Turkana County (VN00994) – 29th July 2026
- Biostatistician – Turkana County (VN00995) – 29th July 2026
- Community Liaison Officer – Turkana County (VN00996) – 29th July 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications before the respective closing dates indicated for each vacancy.
