A leading public research university in Kenya invites applications for several project-based academic, research, and professional positions across multiple institutes, departments, and externally funded initiatives. These opportunities arise from ongoing short-term and long-term projects that support research, innovation, capacity building, and institutional development in areas including clinical research, public health, climate and environmental studies, STEM education, information and communication technology, and maternal health.
The advertised roles are based within specialized research institutes and academic departments and are designed to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, generate high-quality research outputs, and support project implementation in line with approved objectives and donor requirements. The positions are suitable for individuals seeking to contribute to impactful research and development initiatives while gaining experience in structured project environments.
All roles are project-based, and the specific duration of engagement will be aligned to the respective project timelines. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the job descriptions carefully to understand the scope of responsibilities associated with each position. Applications should be submitted within the stipulated timelines indicated for each role.
Positions Available
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Placenta Omics
KAVI – Institute of Clinical Research (ICR)
This position is hosted at the KAVI – Institute of Clinical Research and is linked to a research project focused on placenta omics. The project is part of broader efforts to advance understanding of maternal and neonatal health through molecular and translational research.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be responsible for contributing to the scientific design, implementation, and execution of research activities under the placenta omics project. This includes developing and refining research protocols in collaboration with principal investigators and project partners.
The role involves conducting advanced laboratory-based and data-driven research related to placental biology, including sample processing, molecular analyses, and interpretation of complex datasets. The Fellow will be expected to ensure that laboratory procedures and data collection activities adhere to approved ethical standards, institutional guidelines, and project protocols.
The Fellow will participate in data management activities, including data cleaning, analysis, and documentation. This includes supporting the integration of omics datasets and contributing to the interpretation of findings in line with the project’s scientific objectives.
An important responsibility of the role is the preparation of scientific outputs. The Fellow will contribute to drafting manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, preparing abstracts for conferences, and supporting the development of research reports for funders and institutional stakeholders.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will also support capacity-building activities within the project, including mentoring junior researchers and students where applicable. Participation in project meetings, seminars, and collaborative discussions with internal and external partners is expected.
- Ph.D. Student – GAIN Study
KAVI – Institute of Clinical Research (ICR)
The Ph.D. Student position is based at the KAVI – Institute of Clinical Research and is linked to the GAIN Study, a structured research initiative within the Institute. The role is designed to support advanced doctoral-level research aligned with the study objectives.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Ph.D. Student will undertake research activities as defined in the approved study protocol and individual doctoral research plan. This includes contributing to study design refinement, data collection, and implementation of research procedures under the guidance of assigned supervisors.
The role involves active participation in fieldwork, laboratory work, or data analysis activities, depending on the specific focus of the GAIN Study. The Student will be responsible for ensuring accurate data collection, proper documentation, and adherence to ethical and regulatory requirements.
The Ph.D. Student will support the preparation of study-related documentation, including progress reports, data summaries, and research updates required by the project team and oversight committees.
The position requires active engagement in academic activities such as seminars, workshops, and research meetings organized within the Institute. The Student will also contribute to the dissemination of research findings through presentations, conference participation, and manuscript preparation as guided by supervisors.
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)
KAVI – Institute of Clinical Research (ICR)
This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position focuses on research related to non-communicable diseases and is hosted at the KAVI – Institute of Clinical Research. The role supports a project aimed at strengthening research evidence and interventions related to NCDs.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Fellow will contribute to the planning and execution of NCD-focused research activities, including protocol development, data collection strategies, and analytical approaches. This includes working closely with multidisciplinary research teams to address complex public health questions.
The role involves managing and analyzing quantitative and qualitative datasets related to NCD research. The Fellow will ensure that data analysis methods are appropriate, transparent, and aligned with project objectives.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will support the preparation of technical reports, policy briefs, and scientific manuscripts arising from the project. Engagement with stakeholders, including health practitioners and policy-oriented audiences, may be required as part of dissemination activities.
Additional responsibilities include supporting grant reporting requirements, participating in project review meetings, and contributing to collaborative research initiatives within the Institute.
- Postdoctoral Fellow – African Climate and Environmental Centre – Future African Savannas (AFAS)
This position is based within the African Climate and Environmental Centre and is linked to the Future African Savannas (AFAS) initiative. The project focuses on climate and environmental research relevant to African savanna ecosystems.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research related to climate variability, environmental change, and savanna ecosystems. This includes developing research questions, analytical frameworks, and methodologies aligned with AFAS project objectives.
The role involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of environmental and climate-related data. The Fellow will be expected to integrate interdisciplinary approaches and contribute to cross-cutting research themes within the Centre.
The Fellow will prepare research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, working papers, and project reports. Participation in regional and international research networks, conferences, and stakeholder engagement activities forms part of the role.
The position also includes contributing to mentoring activities, supporting early-career researchers, and participating in academic and policy-oriented discussions facilitated by the Centre.
- Research Associate – GloNew Project
The Research Associate position is linked to the GloNew Project, a research initiative addressing global and local development challenges through structured research and collaboration.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Research Associate will support the day-to-day implementation of research activities under the GloNew Project. This includes coordinating data collection processes, supporting fieldwork activities, and managing research documentation.
The role involves data management tasks, including data entry, validation, analysis support, and archiving in line with project protocols. The Associate will work closely with senior researchers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of research outputs.
The Research Associate will contribute to the preparation of project reports, presentations, and dissemination materials. Administrative support related to project coordination, scheduling meetings, and liaising with partners may also be required.
- ICT Officer – GREEN STEM Project
Department of Advancement and Institutional Development
This position is based within the Department of Advancement and Institutional Development and supports the GREEN STEM Project, which focuses on advancing STEM education and innovation through technology-enabled solutions.
Key duties and responsibilities
The ICT Officer will provide technical support for the design, implementation, and maintenance of ICT systems used within the GREEN STEM Project. This includes supporting digital platforms, databases, and project-specific applications.
The role involves troubleshooting hardware and software issues, ensuring system security, and maintaining reliable access to ICT resources for project staff and beneficiaries.
The ICT Officer will support the integration of digital tools into project activities, including online training platforms, data management systems, and communication tools. Documentation of ICT processes and support provided will be required.
The position also includes supporting users through training, guidance, and technical assistance to ensure effective utilization of ICT resources within the project.
- Project Assistant – GREEN STEM Project
Department of Advancement and Institutional Development
The Project Assistant role supports the administrative and operational functions of the GREEN STEM Project within the Department of Advancement and Institutional Development.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Project Assistant will support project coordination activities, including scheduling meetings, preparing minutes, and maintaining project records. The role involves assisting with logistical arrangements for project events, workshops, and training sessions.
The Assistant will support financial and administrative processes, including tracking project expenditures, supporting procurement processes, and preparing routine administrative reports as required.
The position includes supporting communication activities, such as preparing correspondence, updating project documentation, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
- Research Midwife – REACH TRIAL Project
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
This position is based in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and supports the REACH TRIAL Project, a research initiative focused on maternal and reproductive health.
Key duties and responsibilities
The Research Midwife will support the implementation of clinical research activities under the REACH TRIAL Project. This includes supporting participant recruitment, informed consent processes, and follow-up activities in line with approved protocols.
The role involves collecting clinical and research data, ensuring accurate documentation, and maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards throughout the research process.
The Research Midwife will work closely with clinicians, researchers, and project coordinators to ensure smooth integration of research activities within clinical settings.
Additional responsibilities include supporting data quality assurance activities, participating in project meetings, and contributing to routine project reporting.
Application Information
All the above positions are project-based and subject to the terms and conditions of the respective projects. Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications on or before the specified deadlines indicated for each role.
Deadline Summary
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Placenta Omics
Deadline: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Ph.D. Student – GAIN Study
Deadline: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – NCD
Deadline: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Postdoctoral Fellow – AFAS
Deadline: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Research Associate – GloNew Project
Deadline: Thursday, January 29, 2026
ICT Officer – GREEN STEM Project
Deadline: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Project Assistant – GREEN STEM Project
Deadline: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Research Midwife – REACH TRIAL Project
Deadline: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Applicants should ensure that they meet the role expectations outlined in the respective job descriptions before submitting their applications.
