The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is currently inviting passionate, dedicated, and skilled individuals to apply for a series of open positions across its various sites in Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Siaya, and Kilifi. These roles span nursing, clinical practice, research, internships in laboratory science, and post-doctoral research in mathematical modelling.
With a commitment to advancing health research and promoting innovation in healthcare delivery, KEMRI offers professionals and early-career researchers an opportunity to be part of a dynamic environment contributing to transformative health outcomes. Whether you’re seeking to build your career in a clinical, academic, or research-based setting, these roles offer you a path to grow your skills and create impact across Kenya and beyond.
Below are the detailed job descriptions for each of the seven currently advertised vacancies.
1. Nurse – Nairobi (2 Positions)
Job Type: Contract
Duty Station: Nairobi
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Nurse will provide clinical care and support within ongoing KEMRI health research studies. Working closely with study investigators, clinicians, and laboratory teams, the nurse will contribute to the delivery of high-quality patient-centered services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform nursing procedures and observe patients during clinical visits.
- Collect and record vital signs, history, and symptoms, and assist in physical examinations.
- Administer prescribed medications and provide therapeutic interventions as directed.
- Monitor participant health outcomes and report any abnormalities to the study team.
- Provide counseling and health education to study participants and their families.
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation and uphold participant confidentiality.
- Ensure adherence to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and ethical standards.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated care and support research goals.
2. Registered Clinical Officer – Nairobi (1 Position)
Job Type: Contract
Grade: KMR 08
Duty Station: Nairobi
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Registered Clinical Officer will be responsible for providing medical evaluation, clinical support, and medical care to participants enrolled in health-related studies conducted by KEMRI.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct clinical assessments, patient interviews, and physical examinations for study participants.
- Diagnose and manage illnesses according to national and study-specific guidelines.
- Document clinical findings and patient progress in line with approved protocols.
- Assist with the recruitment and screening of eligible study participants.
- Collect specimens as required and ensure proper labeling, packaging, and transportation.
- Support data collection and entry into study-specific platforms.
- Report adverse events and support timely medical management.
- Participate in internal quality control and clinical monitoring activities.
3. Research Assistant – Nairobi (1 Position)
Job Type: Contract
Grade: KMR 07
Duty Station: Nairobi
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Research Assistant will support the coordination and implementation of research activities in an ongoing project, including data collection, management, and preliminary analysis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation and pretesting of research tools and protocols.
- Conduct interviews, administer questionnaires, and collect field data according to study design.
- Participate in community mobilization and stakeholder engagement efforts.
- Perform data cleaning and assist with data entry and basic analysis.
- Maintain accurate and timely research documentation and participant logs.
- Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and study protocols.
- Support reporting activities and preparation of research summaries and updates.
- Work collaboratively with field teams, investigators, and project managers.
4. Laboratory Technologist Intern – Kisumu (1 Position)
Job Type: Internship
Duty Station: Kisumu
Application Deadline: August 7, 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description:
The Laboratory Technologist Intern will receive mentorship and training in laboratory diagnostic processes to support routine and research-related activities at the KEMRI Kisumu Laboratory.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in specimen reception, labeling, and logging.
- Support sample processing including centrifugation, aliquoting, and storage.
- Participate in quality assurance and internal quality control procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization in the lab environment.
- Follow laboratory biosafety procedures and ensure safety compliance.
- Assist in calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Perform data entry and documentation of laboratory activities.
- Participate in trainings and continuous professional development sessions.
5. Laboratory Technologist Intern – Eldoret (1 Position)
Job Type: Internship
Duty Station: Eldoret
Application Deadline: August 7, 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description:
As part of the KEMRI internship program, this position provides recent graduates with practical laboratory experience in clinical and research diagnostics within the Eldoret facility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support day-to-day laboratory operations including sample tracking and processing.
- Learn to conduct basic microbiology, hematology, or molecular diagnostic procedures.
- Ensure timely documentation and adherence to good laboratory practices.
- Observe quality management systems and participate in improvement projects.
- Collaborate with scientists and laboratory technologists in study-related activities.
- Report any equipment malfunctions and follow up on corrective actions.
- Take part in daily lab meetings and feedback sessions.
- Assist with ordering and inventory management of laboratory consumables.
6. Laboratory Technologist Intern – Siaya (1 Position)
Job Type: Internship
Duty Station: Siaya
Application Deadline: August 7, 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description:
This internship aims to provide hands-on exposure to laboratory work in a high-functioning public health research environment located in Siaya County.
Key Responsibilities:
- Receive, catalogue, and prepare specimens for analysis.
- Participate in laboratory assays under supervision.
- Ensure proper waste disposal and biosafety measures.
- Support the documentation of laboratory activities and data entry into digital systems.
- Assist in routine preventive maintenance and calibration of instruments.
- Collaborate with laboratory and field teams to support research efforts.
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contribute to lab process improvement.
- Participate in scheduled capacity building and training workshops.
7. Early Post-Doctoral Mathematics Modeller – Kilifi (1 Position)
Job Type: Contract
Duty Station: Kilifi
Application Deadline: August 12, 2025, 5:00 PM
Job Description:
This position targets early career PhD graduates in mathematics, statistics, or related quantitative fields. The Mathematics Modeller will contribute to advanced mathematical modelling research that informs public health policy and decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop mathematical and statistical models of infectious disease dynamics.
- Analyze large-scale epidemiological and clinical datasets.
- Collaborate with field and laboratory scientists to integrate empirical data into modelling efforts.
- Conduct sensitivity and uncertainty analysis to strengthen model robustness.
- Contribute to manuscript development and scientific presentations.
- Develop software tools or scripts for model simulation and visualization.
- Engage in collaborative research with national and international institutions.
- Mentor junior researchers and participate in departmental research seminars.
- Prepare policy briefs and reports derived from modelling outputs.
- Ensure ethical research conduct and data confidentiality throughout projects.
Application Guidelines
All interested applicants are encouraged to review the requirements of each position carefully and submit their applications before the respective deadlines. Please ensure that your application package includes a detailed CV, cover letter, and any other documents requested in the specific vacancy notice.
For positions where email applications are not required, please use the application portal to submit your details.
