The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme has announced several employment opportunities for professionals interested in research, clinical services, data management and research support roles in Kenya.
The latest recruitment includes eight positions across six vacancy notices. The opportunities are based in Nairobi, Isiolo, Thika/Nairobi, Busia and Mombasa. All the advertised opportunities are contract positions, with application deadlines ranging from October 28, 2026, to November 15, 2026.
The vacancies provide opportunities to contribute to research and related programme activities in different parts of the country. Applicants interested in the positions should carefully review the respective vacancy notices and submit their applications before the stated closing dates.
Below is a summary of the currently advertised positions.
1. Research Assistant – Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01021
Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Application Deadline: October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The Research Assistant position is based in Nairobi and is intended to support research activities undertaken within the programme. The position contributes to the implementation of research work by supporting data collection, study coordination, documentation and other research-related activities assigned under the relevant project.
The Research Assistant is expected to work closely with research teams and other programme personnel to facilitate the effective implementation of assigned research activities.
Key responsibilities associated with the role may include:
- Supporting the implementation of research activities in Nairobi.
- Assisting with day-to-day research and field activities under the relevant study.
- Supporting the collection and management of research information.
- Working with study participants and relevant stakeholders as required by the research project.
- Maintaining accurate research records and documentation.
- Supporting adherence to approved research procedures and protocols.
- Assisting research teams with the coordination of study activities.
- Supporting the timely completion of assigned research tasks.
- Participating in meetings and other activities related to the research programme.
- Working with supervisors and other members of the research team to ensure research activities are carried out effectively.
Interested applicants should submit their applications by October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
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2. Research Assistant – Isiolo
Job Reference: VN01022
Location: Isiolo
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Application Deadline: October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The Research Assistant position in Isiolo will support research activities being implemented within the programme. The role is expected to contribute to field-based research, study coordination, research documentation and other activities necessary for the successful implementation of the relevant study.
The position requires close collaboration with the research team and other stakeholders involved in programme activities in Isiolo.
The Research Assistant’s responsibilities may include:
- Supporting research activities conducted in Isiolo.
- Assisting with the implementation of approved study procedures.
- Supporting research data collection and documentation.
- Maintaining organised and accurate study records.
- Supporting interactions with study participants and relevant stakeholders.
- Assisting with the coordination of field activities.
- Working closely with researchers and other programme staff.
- Supporting the implementation of research activities according to established procedures.
- Providing information and updates on assigned research activities.
- Participating in research meetings and other programme activities when required.
- Carrying out additional research support responsibilities assigned within the project.
Applications for this position close on October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
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3. Clinical Officer – Thika/Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01023
Location: Thika/Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The Clinical Officer position is a contract opportunity based within the Thika/Nairobi programme area. The successful candidate will contribute to clinical activities associated with the programme and work alongside research and clinical teams in implementing assigned activities.
The role is expected to support the clinical aspects of programme or research activities while ensuring that relevant procedures and documentation requirements are followed.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Supporting clinical activities undertaken within the relevant programme or research project.
- Participating in the delivery and coordination of assigned clinical services.
- Supporting clinical assessments and other study-related clinical activities.
- Maintaining appropriate clinical documentation and records.
- Working closely with research, clinical and programme teams.
- Supporting the implementation of approved clinical and research procedures.
- Assisting with the monitoring and follow-up of participants where required.
- Supporting appropriate referral and follow-up processes where applicable.
- Participating in programme and clinical meetings.
- Ensuring assigned clinical activities are completed within established procedures.
- Supporting communication between clinical and research teams.
- Carrying out other clinical responsibilities assigned within the programme.
The position is classified under Job Grade KMR 07. Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
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4. Research Assistant – Thika/Nairobi
Job Reference: VN01024
Location: Thika/Nairobi
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 3
Job Grade: KMR 08
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Three Research Assistant positions are available under this vacancy notice, making it one of the largest recruitment opportunities among the currently advertised positions.
The Research Assistants will support research implementation in the Thika/Nairobi programme area. Their work is expected to contribute to the collection, documentation and management of research information as well as the coordination of activities required for the successful implementation of the relevant study.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Supporting research activities within the Thika/Nairobi programme area.
- Assisting with research data collection and documentation.
- Supporting the implementation of study procedures.
- Maintaining accurate records relating to research activities.
- Supporting the coordination of research participants and study activities.
- Working closely with investigators, supervisors and other research personnel.
- Assisting with field and facility-based research activities as required.
- Supporting the organisation of study documentation.
- Providing regular updates on assigned research activities.
- Participating in study meetings and research-related activities.
- Supporting compliance with applicable research procedures and protocols.
- Assisting with other research activities necessary for effective study implementation.
There are three positions available, and the role is classified under Job Grade KMR 08.
Applications close on November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
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5. Data Manager – Busia
Job Reference: VN01025
Location: Busia
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 06
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The Data Manager position is based in Busia and will support the management of data generated through research and programme activities.
Data management is an important component of research implementation because research teams depend on accurate, organised and appropriately managed information. The Data Manager will therefore contribute to the processes used to organise, maintain, monitor and support the use of programme and research data.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Supporting the management of research and programme data.
- Coordinating data-related activities within the relevant project.
- Supporting the organisation and maintenance of research databases and records.
- Monitoring data for completeness, consistency and accuracy.
- Working with research teams to address data-related issues.
- Supporting data cleaning and preparation activities.
- Maintaining appropriate documentation relating to data management processes.
- Supporting secure and organised handling of research information.
- Working with research personnel to ensure data requirements are addressed.
- Supporting the preparation of data required for research analysis and reporting.
- Participating in research and data management meetings.
- Providing updates on data management activities.
- Supporting adherence to established data management procedures.
- Carrying out other data management responsibilities assigned within the programme.
The position is offered on a contract basis and falls under Job Grade KMR 06.
Applications must be received by November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
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6. Senior Data Assistant – Busia & Mombasa
Job Reference: VN01026
Location: Busia and Mombasa
Employment Type: Contract
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: KMR 07
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The Senior Data Assistant position will support data-related activities associated with programme operations in Busia and Mombasa.
The role contributes to the effective collection, organisation, verification and maintenance of research information. The Senior Data Assistant is expected to work closely with data management personnel, researchers and other programme staff to ensure that information required for research activities is properly handled and maintained.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Supporting data management activities in Busia and Mombasa.
- Assisting with the collection, entry and organisation of research data.
- Supporting verification of information for completeness and consistency.
- Maintaining accurate and organised data records.
- Assisting with routine data cleaning activities.
- Supporting the identification and resolution of data discrepancies.
- Working with research and programme teams on data-related requirements.
- Supporting the maintenance of relevant data documentation.
- Assisting with preparation of information required for programme and research reporting.
- Supporting established procedures for handling research information.
- Participating in data management and research meetings when required.
- Providing updates on assigned data activities.
- Supporting effective coordination of data-related tasks across the relevant programme locations.
- Undertaking other assigned data support activities associated with the programme.
The Senior Data Assistant position is classified under Job Grade KMR 07 and is offered on a contract basis.
Applications close on November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
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Summary of Available Vacancies
The current recruitment exercise includes six vacancy notices covering a total of eight positions:
- Research Assistant – Nairobi – 1 position – VN01021
- Research Assistant – Isiolo – 1 position – VN01022
- Clinical Officer – Thika/Nairobi – 1 position – VN01023
- Research Assistant – Thika/Nairobi – 3 positions – VN01024
- Data Manager – Busia – 1 position – VN01025
- Senior Data Assistant – Busia & Mombasa – 1 position – VN01026
The Nairobi and Isiolo Research Assistant vacancies have the earliest closing date of October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The Clinical Officer, three Research Assistant positions in Thika/Nairobi, Data Manager and Senior Data Assistant vacancies close on November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the job reference numbers when reviewing or submitting applications because each vacancy has a separate reference.
Application Deadlines
Candidates planning to apply should observe the following deadlines:
- VN01021 – Research Assistant, Nairobi: October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- VN01022 – Research Assistant, Isiolo: October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- VN01023 – Clinical Officer, Thika/Nairobi: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- VN01024 – Research Assistant, Thika/Nairobi: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- VN01025 – Data Manager, Busia: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- VN01026 – Senior Data Assistant, Busia & Mombasa: November 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Applications submitted after the respective deadlines may not be considered. Candidates should therefore allow sufficient time to review the vacancy information and complete the required application process.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should access the respective vacancy listing, review the complete job information and follow the application instructions provided for the position they wish to pursue.
Applicants should ensure that they use the correct job reference when applying, particularly where several vacancies have similar titles. They should also confirm that their applications have been submitted before the applicable deadline.
The vacancies remain listed as active, with the earliest applications closing at 5:00 PM on October 28, 2026.
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