The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is offering a PhD studentship under the German African Cooperation Project in Helminth Infectiology, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The project, in collaboration with Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, focuses on understanding the impact of diets enriched with plant fibre and protein on helminth infections in both humans and pigs, which serve as a relevant animal model for human studies.
This initiative is designed to advance knowledge on nutrition and infection interactions while integrating Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) to encourage community participation in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices. Nutrition and WASH interventions are recognized as essential for achieving sustained control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in endemic communities.
The project is expected to run for up to three years and includes a position for a doctoral researcher. The position will be based at the Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC) within KEMRI, Nairobi, with fieldwork conducted in Bungoma County, western Kenya.
Position: PhD Studentship (1 Position)
Location: ESACIPAC, KEMRI Nairobi, with extensive fieldwork in Bungoma County
Reporting to: Principal Investigator of the Study
Position Overview
The broad aim of this PhD project is to investigate the impact of diets enriched in plant fibre and protein on helminth infection in humans and pigs. The doctoral researcher will also conduct social and behavioural research to assess community knowledge about reinfection risk factors, which include nutrition, WASH practices, economic activities, and household wealth status. Additionally, the researcher will evaluate the effectiveness of SBCC interventions within the local community.
The successful candidate will develop a research proposal aligned with the project’s objectives, design and implement methodological approaches, and lead specific components of the fieldwork under the guidance of the supervisory team. This studentship provides an opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary research that combines nutrition, parasitology, public health, and behavioural sciences.
Essential Requirements
Applicants for the PhD studentship must meet the following requirements:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university, relevant to the field of study (Social Science, Health Systems, Public Health, or related fields).
- Proof of current PhD registration with a recognized local or international university.
- Demonstrated knowledge of helminth infections, particularly soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), and social research methods.
- Willingness to commit fully to the PhD program, dedicating 100% of time and effort to the research.
- Capacity for continued academic growth, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at scientific meetings. Previous publications related to the themes of the project will be considered an advantage.
- Knowledge and skills relevant to the PhD topic, such as prior experience in helminth research, quantitative and qualitative research methods, or related areas.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and academic writing skills in English.
- Strong personal motivation for undertaking doctoral research, as demonstrated through a motivation letter and interview responses.
- At least two published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, with at least one as first author.
- A demonstrated intention to pursue a long-term career in neglected tropical diseases (NTD) research.
- Willingness to live and work in Bungoma County for the duration of the project.
- Availability to travel to Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, for training purposes.
Expected Qualities
The candidate should possess:
- A background in social science, health systems, public health, or related fields.
- Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods.
- Experience in conducting fieldwork and engaging with communities.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team setting.
Specific Tasks and Responsibilities
The doctoral researcher will be responsible for:
- Conducting a thorough literature review and designing protocols that address the research objectives.
- Preparing for the study by obtaining necessary ethical approvals and permissions.
- Collecting both quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods.
- Transcribing, analysing, and interpreting qualitative data.
- Supervising field personnel involved in data collection and project implementation.
- Analysing quantitative data, interpreting results, and preparing timely reports, including progress updates.
- Preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Producing the final doctoral thesis within the timeframe of the project.
- Participating in protocol development and manuscript reviews with the supervisory team.
- Carrying out any other duties assigned by the supervisor(s) that are relevant to the success of the project.
Terms of Engagement
- The studentship will be offered on a three-year contract basis.
- A monthly stipend will be provided to support living expenses.
- Research and fieldwork costs directly related to the dissertation will be covered.
- Additional costs associated with travel to and training in Germany will be funded separately.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- A letter of application clearly stating the vacancy number.
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A motivation letter not exceeding 1000 words, outlining academic and professional background, relevant experience for the position, reasons for pursuing a PhD, expected gains from the program, and career goals after completion.
- Two letters of reference, including one from a recent employer or supervisor. Referees should be senior academic or professional individuals who have supervised the candidate; references from friends or family will not be accepted. Contact information (telephone and email) for referees must be included.
- Copies of certified academic certificates and transcripts.
- Contact telephone number and email address of the applicant.
- If currently employed, a commitment letter from the employer guaranteeing study leave and salary support during the training.
Applications should be made exclusively through the KEMRI e-recruitment portal:
https://www.kemri.go.ke/e-recruitment
The deadline for applications is 10th September 2025 at 5:00 pm East Africa Time.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing Remark
The Kenya Medical Research Institute provides this PhD studentship opportunity in partnership with Freie Universität Berlin to enhance research capacity in neglected tropical diseases, nutrition, and public health. The selected candidate will engage in multidisciplinary research, contribute to scientific publications, and gain international training experience, while also working closely with local communities in western Kenya.
