The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced three contract opportunities for candidates seeking to work in medical and health research in Kenya. The current vacancies include a PhD Studentship position based in Kilifi and two Research Assistant positions based in Nairobi and Isiolo.
A total of three positions are available across the three job references. Interested applicants should pay close attention to the individual application deadlines, as the PhD Studentship closes earlier than the two Research Assistant vacancies.
Current KEMRI Vacancies
- PhD Studentship – Kilifi
- Job Reference: VN01020
- Location: Kilifi
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Positions: 1
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Status: Active
- Research Assistant – Nairobi
- Job Reference: VN01021
- Location: Nairobi
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Positions: 1
- Application Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Status: Active
- Research Assistant – Isiolo
- Job Reference: VN01022
- Location: Isiolo
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Positions: 1
- Application Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Status: Active
1. PhD Studentship – Kilifi
Job Reference: VN01020
KEMRI is seeking to fill one PhD Studentship position based in Kilifi. The opportunity is offered on a contract basis and is currently listed as active.
The studentship provides an opportunity for the successful applicant to undertake PhD-level research within the institution’s research environment in Kilifi.
Position Details
- Job Title: PhD Studentship – Kilifi
- Job Reference: VN01020
- Duty Station: Kilifi, Kenya
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
The provided vacancy information does not specify the detailed research area, responsibilities, academic requirements, professional experience, or other eligibility requirements for this studentship. Applicants should therefore refer to the complete KEMRI vacancy announcement under reference VN01020 before submitting an application.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should access the official KEMRI recruitment portal, locate Job Reference VN01020 and review the complete vacancy details before completing their application.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on 26 October 2026.
Apply Now
2. Research Assistant – Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01021
KEMRI is also recruiting a Research Assistant to be based in Nairobi. One position is available, and the successful candidate will be engaged on a contract basis.
Research Assistant positions within research institutions generally support the implementation of specific research projects. However, candidates should note that the information provided for this particular vacancy does not include the specific duties or responsibilities attached to Job Reference VN01021.
Position Details
- Job Title: Research Assistant
- Job Reference: VN01021
- Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Application Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Vacancy Status: Active
Candidates should consult the complete vacancy notice for the specific project information, responsibilities, requirements and application instructions associated with this position.
No academic qualifications, professional qualifications, experience requirements or other eligibility conditions have been included in the vacancy information provided above. Applicants should rely on the official Job Reference VN01021 advertisement for those details rather than assuming general Research Assistant requirements apply.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official KEMRI recruitment portal and search for Job Reference VN01021 – Research Assistant, Nairobi.
Candidates should read the complete job description and ensure that their applications are submitted before the stated deadline.
Application Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Apply Now
3. Research Assistant – Isiolo
Job Reference: VN01022
The third available opportunity is for a Research Assistant based in Isiolo. KEMRI is seeking one individual for the position, which is offered on a contract basis.
The vacancy provides an opportunity for a successful applicant to work within KEMRI’s research activities in Isiolo. The specific research project and responsibilities associated with the position should be confirmed from the full vacancy advertisement.
Position Details
- Job Title: Research Assistant
- Job Reference: VN01022
- Duty Station: Isiolo, Kenya
- Employment Type: Contract
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Application Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Vacancy Status: Active
The information provided does not specify the duties, academic qualifications, professional requirements or experience required for this position. Candidates should therefore consult the complete Job Reference VN01022 advertisement before applying.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the Research Assistant position in Isiolo should access the official KEMRI recruitment platform and locate Job Reference VN01022.
Applicants should review the complete vacancy announcement and submit their applications according to the instructions provided by KEMRI.
The deadline for applications is 5:00 PM on 28 October 2026.
Apply Now
Important Application Information
Candidates interested in the current KEMRI vacancies should ensure that they apply for the correct position using its corresponding job reference number.
The PhD Studentship in Kilifi closes on 26 October 2026, while both Research Assistant positions close on 28 October 2026. Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the respective deadlines rather than waiting until the final hours of the recruitment period.
Candidates should also rely on the detailed official vacancy advertisement for information concerning qualifications, experience, responsibilities, supporting documents and any other requirements that are not contained in the vacancy summary.
The three opportunities currently listed are contract positions, with one vacancy available for each role and location.
