The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a leading state corporation dedicated to carrying out health research in Kenya. Established with the mandate to improve human health and wellbeing, KEMRI has grown into a premier center for biomedical and health research in Africa. The institute collaborates with national, regional, and international partners to generate knowledge, provide solutions to health challenges, and contribute to policy development.
In pursuit of its mission, KEMRI is inviting qualified and motivated candidates to apply for several open positions across different departments. These roles provide opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research, administrative support, technical operations, and scientific leadership.
The following positions are available:
- Cleaner/Messenger
- Receptionist
- Laboratory Technologist
- Research Scientist
- Senior Research Scientist
- Senior Administrative Officer
- Senior Engineering Technologist
- Laboratory Technologist (additional role)
- Senior Research Scientist (additional role)
Each position carries unique responsibilities aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the institute while upholding its reputation for excellence in research and service delivery.
Position 1: Cleaner/Messenger
The Cleaner/Messenger will provide essential support services that ensure the institute’s offices, laboratories, and common areas are kept clean, orderly, and functional. In addition, the role supports the smooth flow of communication and documentation through messenger services.
Key Responsibilities
- Carrying out daily cleaning tasks in offices, laboratories, corridors, restrooms, and meeting rooms to maintain a sanitary and safe environment.
- Dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and disinfecting surfaces and equipment in line with institutional hygiene standards.
- Assisting in the preparation of meeting venues by arranging furniture, supplies, and refreshments where required.
- Collecting and delivering internal mail, parcels, files, and other documents between departments in a timely manner.
- Running official errands within and outside the institute premises to support smooth operations.
- Reporting any maintenance needs, damages, or safety hazards to supervisors for prompt resolution.
- Supporting logistical tasks during institutional events and research activities when required.
- Upholding confidentiality and professional conduct when handling documents and interacting with staff.
Position 2: Receptionist
The Receptionist will serve as the first point of contact for visitors, staff, and stakeholders. This position plays an important role in projecting a professional image of KEMRI while ensuring smooth communication and coordination of front-office operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing the reception desk, greeting visitors, and providing them with relevant assistance or directing them to appropriate offices.
- Handling incoming calls, responding to inquiries, and transferring calls to the right personnel.
- Receiving and recording messages, correspondence, and deliveries in a structured manner.
- Scheduling appointments, maintaining visitor logs, and coordinating meeting room bookings.
- Providing basic information about the institute’s services, procedures, and contacts to visitors.
- Assisting in managing office supplies at the reception and ensuring availability of stationery and related items.
- Maintaining a tidy, welcoming, and professional reception area that reflects the institute’s standards.
- Supporting administrative officers with documentation, filing, and data entry tasks when needed.
Position 3: Laboratory Technologist
The Laboratory Technologist will support scientific research by performing laboratory tests, preparing samples, managing equipment, and ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols. This role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and quality of scientific data generated at KEMRI.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting laboratory procedures such as sample collection, preparation, and analysis under the guidance of senior staff.
- Operating laboratory equipment and instruments, including calibration and routine maintenance.
- Preparing reagents, solutions, and other consumables required for experiments and diagnostic procedures.
- Recording experimental data accurately in logbooks, laboratory information systems, and databases.
- Ensuring adherence to laboratory safety procedures and biosafety guidelines.
- Assisting in quality assurance and control processes to maintain the accuracy and reliability of results.
- Supporting senior researchers and scientists in carrying out experiments and clinical studies.
- Managing inventory of laboratory supplies, requesting replenishment, and ensuring proper storage of samples.
Position 4: Research Scientist
The Research Scientist will undertake biomedical and health research aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and addressing public health challenges. This role involves designing and conducting experiments, publishing findings, and contributing to institutional projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Designing and implementing research projects aligned with the institute’s priorities.
- Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data using appropriate methods.
- Preparing manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for dissemination to stakeholders.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams within and outside the institute on joint research projects.
- Supervising laboratory technologists, interns, and junior staff involved in research activities.
- Ensuring compliance with ethical standards, biosafety protocols, and institutional guidelines in research.
- Preparing grant proposals and participating in resource mobilization activities.
- Contributing to policy recommendations and strategies based on research findings.
Position 5: Senior Research Scientist
The Senior Research Scientist will provide leadership in scientific research, guiding teams in designing and executing projects that address national and regional health challenges. This role emphasizes innovation, mentorship, and contribution to policy and practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading large-scale research projects from conception, design, and implementation to dissemination.
- Supervising junior scientists, technologists, and research assistants, fostering capacity development.
- Publishing research outputs in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at scientific forums.
- Engaging in strategic collaborations with local and international partners to enhance research impact.
- Providing expert advice and technical input in developing institutional and national health policies.
- Spearheading the development of grant proposals, securing research funding, and managing budgets.
- Overseeing compliance with ethical and regulatory standards in research operations.
- Driving innovation by exploring new methodologies, technologies, and research frontiers.
Position 6: Senior Administrative Officer
The Senior Administrative Officer will oversee administrative operations that ensure smooth functioning of the institute. This role focuses on human resources, procurement, logistics, records management, and general institutional support.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervising administrative staff to ensure efficiency and compliance with policies and procedures.
- Coordinating office operations including correspondence, filing systems, and record management.
- Overseeing procurement processes, vendor management, and contract administration.
- Managing logistics for meetings, conferences, and institutional events.
- Supporting human resource functions such as leave management, performance appraisals, and staff welfare activities.
- Preparing budgets, monitoring expenditure, and ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
- Drafting and reviewing official documents, reports, and memoranda.
- Acting as a liaison between departments to promote smooth communication and collaboration.
Position 7: Senior Engineering Technologist
The Senior Engineering Technologist will provide advanced technical support for the maintenance, installation, and development of equipment and infrastructure at KEMRI. This position ensures that research facilities and laboratories operate efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervising the installation, testing, and maintenance of specialized laboratory and research equipment.
- Designing and implementing technical solutions to support scientific operations.
- Coordinating engineering staff and technicians in carrying out preventive and corrective maintenance.
- Ensuring adherence to safety standards in handling electrical, mechanical, and laboratory equipment.
- Managing inventory of spare parts, tools, and engineering consumables.
- Preparing technical reports, operation manuals, and maintenance schedules.
- Advising management on equipment upgrades, replacements, and infrastructural improvements.
- Training junior engineers and technologists in the use and maintenance of equipment.
Position 8: Laboratory Technologist (Additional Role)
This additional Laboratory Technologist position reinforces the need for skilled personnel to support the institute’s growing portfolio of laboratory research activities. The responsibilities remain similar to those outlined under Position 3, with emphasis on sample handling, equipment management, and support for ongoing research projects.
Position 9: Senior Research Scientist (Additional Role)
This additional Senior Research Scientist position highlights the expanding scope of advanced research being undertaken at KEMRI. The responsibilities mirror those listed under Position 5, focusing on leading scientific projects, mentoring staff, and shaping health research priorities at both national and regional levels.
