The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced five employment and internship opportunities for individuals interested in contributing to research activities in Kenya. The current vacancies cover research assistance, study coordination, social science research, public health and social sciences internships, and statistics internships.
The opportunities are based in Nairobi and Busia and include both contract and internship engagements. According to the published vacancy information, each of the five advertised positions has one opening. Three of the vacancies are contract positions, while two have been advertised as internships.
The contract opportunities include Research Assistant – Nairobi, Study Coordinator – Nairobi, and Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) – Busia. The internship opportunities are Research Interns; Public Health/Social Sciences – Nairobi and Research Interns; Statistics – Nairobi.
The vacancies have different application deadlines. Candidates interested in the three contract positions are required to submit their applications by August 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The two internship opportunities have a later deadline of September 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Applicants should carefully review the individual vacancy details and ensure that they apply for the position that corresponds with their professional or academic background. Where specific qualifications, experience requirements or competencies are stated in the official vacancy, applicants should use those requirements when determining their suitability.
Below is an overview of all five KEMRI vacancies currently listed.
Current KEMRI Job and Internship Vacancies
- Research Assistant – Nairobi
- Job Reference: VN01003
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Grade: KMR 07
- Location: Nairobi
- Application Deadline: August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
- Status: Active
- Study Coordinator – Nairobi
- Job Reference: VN01004
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Grade: KMR 05
- Location: Nairobi
- Application Deadline: August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
- Status: Active
- Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) – Busia
- Job Reference: VN01005
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Grade: KMR 05
- Location: Busia
- Application Deadline: August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
- Status: Active
- Research Interns; Public Health/Social Sciences – Nairobi
- Job Reference: VN01006
- Employment Type: Internship
- Number of Positions: 1
- Location: Nairobi
- Application Deadline: September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
- Status: Active
- Research Interns; Statistics – Nairobi
- Job Reference: VN01007
- Employment Type: Internship
- Number of Positions: 1
- Location: Nairobi
- Application Deadline: September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
- Status: Active
1. Research Assistant – Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01003
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
KEMRI is recruiting one Research Assistant for a contract-based position in Nairobi. The vacancy is listed under job reference VN01003 and is classified at Job Grade KMR 07.
The Research Assistant position forms part of the Institute’s research workforce and is intended to support research-related activities within the project or study to which the successful candidate is assigned.
Job Description
As a Research Assistant, the successful applicant will work within a research environment and provide support to the implementation of assigned study activities. Research assistant positions generally operate under established study procedures and protocols, with activities undertaken as directed by the relevant research team.
The position is based in Nairobi and is offered on a contract basis. The successful applicant will therefore be expected to work within the requirements and timelines of the assigned research programme.
The official vacancy information supplied for this advert does not provide the complete list of specific duties, qualifications or experience requirements for VN01003. To avoid introducing requirements that have not been stated by the employer, applicants should refer to the full official vacancy description before submitting an application.
Key vacancy details include:
- The position is designated as Research Assistant.
- The duty station is Nairobi.
- The engagement is on a contract basis.
- Only one position has been advertised.
- The vacancy is classified at KMR 07.
- The relevant job reference is VN01003.
- Applications close on August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Candidates should ensure that VN01003 is correctly identified when accessing the vacancy and completing the application process.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Research Assistant – Nairobi position must be submitted by August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Apply Now
2. Study Coordinator – Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01004
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
The second opportunity is for a Study Coordinator based in Nairobi. The position is advertised under reference number VN01004 and is available on a contract basis. One vacancy is available, and the position is classified at KMR 05.
A Study Coordinator operates within the implementation structure of a research study. The position is associated with coordinating study activities and supporting the organized implementation of research work according to the requirements established for the relevant project.
Job Description
The successful candidate will serve in the Study Coordinator role for the research activities associated with the appointment. The position requires the holder to operate within the study structure and work with the relevant research team during project implementation.
Study coordination is an important component of research implementation because studies often involve different activities, timelines, research personnel and operational requirements. The appointed individual will therefore occupy a coordination-focused position within the assigned study.
The position is located in Nairobi and has been advertised as a contract opportunity rather than a permanent appointment.
The vacancy information provided for this article does not contain the employer’s complete breakdown of responsibilities, academic qualifications, professional qualifications, competencies or experience requirements for VN01004. These details have therefore not been added or inferred. Prospective applicants should consult the complete official job description associated with the vacancy before applying.
The published vacancy information confirms the following:
- The job title is Study Coordinator – Nairobi.
- The vacancy reference is VN01004.
- The position is based in Nairobi.
- The employment arrangement is a contract.
- There is one available position.
- The position is classified at Job Grade KMR 05.
- The vacancy is currently listed as active.
- The application deadline is August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the application deadline because the closing time is specifically indicated as 5:00 p.m.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for the Study Coordinator position is August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Apply Now
3. Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) – Busia
Job Reference: VN01005
Location: Busia
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 05
Application Deadline: August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
KEMRI is also recruiting a Senior Research Scientist specialising in social science. Unlike the first two contract vacancies, which are based in Nairobi, this position is based in Busia.
The vacancy is advertised under reference VN01005 and is classified at Job Grade KMR 05. One position is available, and the successful candidate will be engaged on a contract basis.
Job Description
The Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) position is a research-focused role within the social science field. The successful applicant will work within the relevant research programme or study and undertake responsibilities associated with the position as specified in the official vacancy description.
The senior designation indicates that the position sits within the research structure at KMR 05. Applicants should, however, rely on the employer’s official vacancy notice for the exact responsibilities, reporting arrangements and requirements rather than assuming duties solely from the job title.
The position provides an opportunity for a social science research professional to work from the Busia duty station within the framework of KEMRI’s research activities.
The supplied vacancy listing does not contain the complete responsibilities or qualifications for VN01005. Consequently, no additional academic requirements, professional certifications, years of experience or technical competencies have been introduced into this advert.
The confirmed vacancy details are:
- The designation is Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist).
- The position is based in Busia.
- The job reference is VN01005.
- The position is offered on a contract basis.
- One vacancy is available.
- The position is classified at KMR 05.
- The vacancy is currently active.
- Applications close on August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Candidates interested in this opportunity should read the complete vacancy description associated with VN01005 before completing their applications.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) – Busia position close on August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Apply Now
4. Research Interns; Public Health/Social Sciences – Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01006
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Internship
Number of Positions: 1
Application Deadline: September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
KEMRI is offering an internship opportunity in Public Health/Social Sciences at its Nairobi duty station. The opportunity is listed under reference VN01006 and has one internship position available.
Unlike the first three vacancies, this opportunity has been specifically classified as an internship. Its application deadline is September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Job Description
The Public Health/Social Sciences Research Internship is designed around participation in research-related activities within the public health and social science environment.
According to the detailed responsibilities associated with this internship, the successful intern will support different stages of research implementation, ranging from evidence review and study preparation to field activities, data handling, reporting and project support.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting literature reviews and supporting evidence synthesis.
- Assisting with the development of study protocols.
- Supporting the preparation and development of data collection tools.
- Contributing to the development of training materials used in research activities.
- Supporting the coordination of field activities.
- Participating in stakeholder engagement meetings.
- Supporting qualitative data collection activities.
- Assisting with data management processes.
- Supporting transcription of collected qualitative information.
- Participating in coding and analysis of research data.
- Assisting in the preparation of technical reports.
- Contributing to the development of research presentations.
- Supporting the preparation of policy briefs.
- Contributing to the preparation of manuscripts.
- Participating in community mobilization activities where required by the project.
- Supporting advocacy-related project activities.
- Monitoring project activities.
- Documenting lessons learned during project implementation.
- Providing administrative support for project implementation.
- Providing logistical support for research and project activities.
- Undertaking other duties assigned by the project investigators.
The responsibilities demonstrate that the internship covers several stages of the research process. The intern may participate in preparatory work through literature reviews, protocol development and preparation of research tools before supporting field implementation and subsequent data-related activities.
The position also involves interaction with stakeholders and communities through field coordination, stakeholder engagement, community mobilization and advocacy activities.
Data-related responsibilities extend beyond collection. The intern may support data management, transcription, coding and analysis, depending on the requirements of the assigned research project.
Another component of the internship involves communicating research findings and project information. This includes contributing to technical reports, presentations, policy briefs and manuscripts.
The administrative and logistical responsibilities are intended to support the overall implementation of the assigned project, while the requirement to undertake other duties assigned by project investigators allows the intern to support additional research activities where necessary.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Research Interns; Public Health/Social Sciences – Nairobi opportunity must be submitted by September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Apply Now
5. Research Interns; Statistics – Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01007
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Internship
Number of Positions: 1
Application Deadline: September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
The fifth opportunity is a Statistics Research Internship based in Nairobi. The vacancy is listed under reference VN01007 and has one available position.
The internship provides exposure to research activities where statistical knowledge and quantitative approaches can support the development, implementation, management and analysis of research studies.
Job Description
The Statistics Research Intern will support research activities associated with the project or study to which the intern is assigned.
The internship’s research responsibilities cover multiple stages of the research process and provide an opportunity to participate in activities related to research preparation, study implementation, data management, analysis and dissemination of findings.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting literature reviews and supporting evidence synthesis.
- Participating in the development of study protocols.
- Supporting the development of data collection tools.
- Contributing to the preparation of training materials required for study implementation.
- Supporting research data-related activities as assigned within the project.
- Participating in data management activities.
- Supporting statistical and research analysis activities in accordance with the assigned study.
- Contributing to the preparation of technical reports.
- Supporting the development of research presentations.
- Contributing to the preparation of policy briefs where applicable.
- Supporting the preparation of manuscripts and other research outputs.
- Monitoring relevant project activities.
- Supporting documentation of lessons emerging from project implementation.
- Providing administrative support during project implementation.
- Providing logistical assistance for research activities.
- Undertaking other duties assigned by the project investigators.
The internship places the successful candidate within an active research environment where statistical work supports evidence generation. Literature review and evidence synthesis contribute to understanding existing research, while participation in protocol and data collection tool development supports the preparation of new studies.
Data management and analysis form an important part of statistics-related research work. The intern may therefore participate in activities intended to organize, manage and analyse research information under the direction of the relevant research team.
The reporting component of the internship involves contributing to the transformation of research findings into outputs that can be communicated to different audiences. These may include technical reports, presentations, policy-oriented materials and manuscripts.
The internship also includes administrative and logistical responsibilities connected to project implementation. These activities support the broader research team and help ensure that assigned project activities are undertaken according to the required processes and timelines.
Applicants should note that only responsibilities supported by the vacancy information have been included. No additional academic qualifications, professional certifications, experience requirements or software competencies have been added where they were not provided.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Research Interns; Statistics – Nairobi position close on September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Apply Now
Important Application Information
Candidates planning to apply for any of the five vacancies should carefully distinguish between the two application deadlines.
The following positions close on August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.:
- Research Assistant – Nairobi, VN01003
- Study Coordinator – Nairobi, VN01004
- Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) – Busia, VN01005
The following internship opportunities close on September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.:
- Research Interns; Public Health/Social Sciences – Nairobi, VN01006
- Research Interns; Statistics – Nairobi, VN01007
Applicants should use the correct vacancy reference when identifying the opportunity for which they wish to apply. Job reference numbers are particularly important where several vacancies from the same institution are being advertised simultaneously.
Candidates should also review the complete official vacancy description before submitting an application. This is particularly important for confirming academic qualifications, experience requirements, competencies, supporting documents and any other eligibility conditions that may apply to a particular position.
Since the supplied vacancy summary does not contain complete qualification information for every position, this advert does not introduce additional qualifications that have not been stated in the source material.
Summary of KEMRI Vacancies
The five vacancies provide opportunities across different levels of research work. Three are contract appointments, while two are internships.
The Research Assistant opportunity is based in Nairobi, carries reference VN01003 and is classified at KMR 07. The Study Coordinator opportunity, also in Nairobi, is reference VN01004 and is classified at KMR 05.
The Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) position is based in Busia. It is listed under reference VN01005, carries Job Grade KMR 05 and is offered on a contract basis.
For candidates seeking internship opportunities, KEMRI has advertised two Nairobi-based positions. The Public Health/Social Sciences Research Internship is listed as VN01006, while the Statistics Research Internship is listed as VN01007.
Each vacancy has one available position, bringing the total number of advertised openings in this particular listing to five.
Candidates interested in the contract positions should take particular note of the August 26, 2026 deadline, while applicants for the internship opportunities have until September 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Applicants should ensure that applications are completed within the stipulated period and that the correct job reference is selected during the application process.
