Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a state corporation established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, which has since been amended to Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013 as the national body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya. KEMRI has grown from its humble beginning over 40 years ago to become a regional leader in human health research. The Institute currently ranks as one of the leading Centres of excellence in health research both in Africa as well as globally. Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Jobs at KEMRI

  1. Data Clerk
  2. Driver
  3. Field Technologist
  4. Research Scientist
  5. Study Doctor
  6. Data Manager
  7. Study Nurse
  8. Research Assistant
  9. Administration and Operations Coordinator

Study Doctor (1 Position) K MR/ 5 – Kisumu

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Collect, verify, and accurately document demographic, clinical, and lesion measurement data (including SOC ruler-based ACTG criteria and SS3D imaging).
  • Implement and lead phased adoption of SS3D-supported lesion measurement, including provider training and transition from SOC-only measurement.
  • Train and mentor clinical staff on ACTG protocols, SS3D use, and clinical research best practices to ensure protocol adherence and data integrity.
  • Ensure participant safety, identify and manage adverse events, and coordinate with safety oversight bodies.
  • Oversee day-to-day study operations, including initiation, execution, workflow optimization, direct observation, and time-motion studies.
  • Manage data quality, including supervision of data collection and entry, accuracy checks, and quality control procedures.
  • Coordinate communication across investigators, clinical teams, external partners, and stakeholders to support implementation and dissemination.
  • Lead program evaluation activities, including usability, acceptability, feasibility assessments, and micro-costing.
  • Support research funding and scientific output through grant writing, manuscript development, and reporting to funders and regulators, plus presenting findings.
  • Oversee budget and resource management, including equipment procurement, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.

Required Qualifications:

  • MBChB or equivalent medical degree with a valid practising license
  • Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or a relevant field (e.g., Epidemiology, Global Health,
  • Clinical Research will be an added advantage
  • At least 2 years of demonstrated research experience in Clinical or implementation studies,
  • preferably in HIV, oncology, or infectious diseases. Ability to write, review, and contribute to
  • grant applications and secure research funding

Data Manager (1 Position) K MR/ 5 – Kisumu

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement, and ensure adherence to study protocols, SOPs, and data management plans
  • Oversee data collection, entry, cleaning, validation, and secure storage to maintain data accuracy, completeness, and integrity.
  • Conduct routine data quality checks, audits, and generate QC reports to ensure timely correction of discrepancies.
  • Develop, review, and maintain data collection tools and databases (e.g., ODK, Excel, Epi Info, REDCap, web and mobile solutions).
  • Build capacity of Data Officers and train study teams on data systems, tools, and tracking logs to ensure consistent and high-quality data capture.
  • Support setup and maintenance of data-related hardware, network systems, and real-time transmission solutions.
  • Ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act and Institution data governance policies, including confidentiality, backups, security, and restricted access
  • Generate dashboards, statistical analyses, and visual reports (Power BI, Tableau, Excel) to support monitoring, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Prepare and submit timely monitoring reports (daily to quarterly, DSMB, sponsor) in line with reporting schedules.
  • Attend to ad hoc data requests and perform additional assigned duties to support project data needs.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Applied Statistics or any other relevant field from a recognized institution.
  • Master’s Degree in the relevant field
  • Epidermiological and statistical analysis skills using tools such as SAS, STATA, R, Python, or similar.
  • Conversant with data management databases i.e. MS access, Excel SQL or Visual basics. Proficiency in REDCap programming and customization.

Study Nurse (1 Position) K MR/ 5 – Kisumu

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Screen, consent, enroll, and follow up study participants, ensuring accurate documentation of clinical procedures, adverse events, and visit outcomes.
  • Provide study information, address participant questions, and support retention through scheduled clinical assessments and follow-up coordination.
  • Assist with lesion measurements, skin biopsy procedures, and safe handling of biological samples per protocol and SOPs.
  • Label, package, transport, and track samples, coordinating closely with KEMRI and
  • Washington University laboratories for receipt, storage, and shipment documentation.
  • Record participant data in CRFs and study databases accurately and promptly, ensuring data quality through collaboration with the Data Manager.
  • Maintain secure, organized clinical and research records in compliance with protocol requirements.
  • Support qualitative research activities, including planning, recruitment, transcription, and secure data handling.
  • Participate in study operations with the clinical and data management team, providing weekly progress updates on recruitment, follow-up, and data entry.
  • Assist in resource management including supply procurement, inventory control, and basic financial/budget tracking.
  • Prepare and submit regulatory documents to relevant ethics and oversight bodies, including amendments, safety reports, and deviations.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
  • Master’s in public health, Nursing and related courses is an added advantage
  • Minimum of 2–3 years of research experience in research settings or clinical trials is highly desirable

Research Assistant (1 Position) K MR/ 7 – Kisumu

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Identify, mobilize, screen, consent, and enroll eligible participants while providing clear study information and appointment reminders.
  • Trace and re-engage participants who miss visits or are lost to follow-up through home visits, phone calls, community outreach, and motorbike tracing where necessary.
  • Maintain accurate and secure records of participant contact, follow-up outcomes, and retention activities in line with study protocols.
  • Build strong, trust-based relationships with participants and community stakeholders to support engagement and retention.
  • Collaborate with the study team to identify and address barriers to retention using culturally sensitive and ethical approaches.
  • Coordinate qualitative research activities including planning, recruitment, logistics, consenting, and facilitation of interviews/FGDs.
  • Transcribe, manage, and analyze qualitative data using tools such as NVivo, Atlas.ti, or Dedoose while ensuring confidentiality and proper storage.
  • Prepare reports, summaries, and dissemination outputs such as abstracts, presentations, and manuscript contributions.
  • Accurately enter clinical and research data into systems (e.g., REDCap), complete CRFs, and support database reporting.Assist with field logistics, supply management, and provide regular updates on recruitment, retention, and data activities during team meetings.

Required Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Community Health, Social Work, Community Development or any other related
  • Diploma in Social Sciences.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in the above fields will be an added advantage
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, high level computer and internet skills with daily access to internet

Data Clerk (1 Position) K MR/ 8 – Kisumu

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Accurately enter participant information and clinical/research data into electronic systems such as ODK, OpenMRS, and REDCap.
  • Maintain organized participant files, source documents, CRFs, and results in compliance with study protocols.
  • Conduct routine data cleaning, validation, and discrepancy resolution to ensure data quality and integrity.
  • Perform regular data backups and ensure secure storage of all study records.
  • Cross-check data against source documents and prepare materials for monitoring visits and audits.
  • Generate routine data summaries, tracking logs, and progress reports to support study operations.
  • Collaborate with clinical and field teams to reconcile data and provide updates during study meetings.
  • Provide general data-related support as assigned to ensure smooth and timely study implementation.

Required Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Health Records and Information or equivalent training.
  • Previous experience in data entry or records management in a healthcare or research setting preferred.
  • Basic computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and data entry platforms (ODK, OpenMRS, Redcap).
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of participant information. Good communication and teamwork skills

Driver (1 Position) K MR/ 8 – Kisumu

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Safely transport staff, participants, and study materials while complying with all road safety regulations.
  • Conduct routine vehicle checks, maintain logbooks, and report any mechanical issues for timely servicing and repairs.
  • Ensure the security of passengers, equipment, and study cargo at all times.
  • Deliver and collect study documents, parcels, supplies, and support logistics for field activities.
  • Assist with office administrative tasks such as photocopying, scanning, filing, and basic supervised data entry.
  • Support organization of participant files, records, and materials for meetings and trainings.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure smooth daily study operations.

Required Qualifications:

  • ‘O’ Level school Certificate Grade D (Plus)
  • Valid driving license class BCE
  • Certificate of Good Conduct
  • Certificate of defensive Driving Course
  • Required Experience:
  • Good communication skills
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision and under pressure

Administration and Operations Coordinator, (1 Position) K MR/ 5 – Kisumu

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage calendars, meetings, and calls
  • Coordinate with U.S.based collaborators
  • Anticipate project needs and ensure priorities are well-prepared
  • Organize local travel logistics and prepare itineraries
  • Draft, edit, and manage correspondence, presentations, and reports
  • Support with academic writing tasks (bonus skill)
  • Maintain accurate records and organize documents
  • Ability to use AI and digital tools to streamline administrative tasks
  • Travel occasionally between Kisumu and Nairobi
  • Assist with social media and online presence
  • Coordinate scheduling, communication, and travel.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelors of Commerce Degree in Business Administration, Finance/ Accounting or equivalent
  • Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently
  • Highly Proficient in Microsoft Office and open to AI and new tools
  • Discreet, reliable, and adaptable
  • Experience in academic writing or social media management

Research Scientist – Kakamega County

Job Tite/Designation

Key Responsibilities:

  • Make appointments with study participants, administer informed consent and conduct research interviews
  • Transcribe and translate (if necessary) audio files and submit typed transcripts including interview summary notes to the Social Scientist in a timely manner
  • Review transcripts for any spelling, grammar or formatting errors, as well as other inconsistencies
  • Debrief with social science team on a regular basis
  • Adhere to confidentiality guidelines and respect sensitive information
  • Ensure that data quality assurance procedures are strictly adhered to
  • Participate in planning meetings and scheduled conference calls with Social Scientist and study partners
  • Perform any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time

Vacancy Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (preferably Anthropology or Sociology) from a recognized university Mandatory
  • Strong written and oral communication skills Mandatory
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Mandatory
  • Willingness to reside in field study sites Mandatory
  • Creating accurate written versions of audio recordings Mandatory
  • Good typing speed and attention to detail Mandatory
  • Excellent listening and reading skills Mandatory
  • Strong translation skills

Field Technologist – Kakamega County

Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee that all study procedures, consent forms, and documentation are completed, verified, and organized per protocol.
  • Provide daily oversight, guidance, and problem-solving to ensure smooth field operations throughout the study period.
  • Maintain adequate field supplies, ensure proper handling, processing, and transport of samples, and oversee safe biowaste disposal.
  • Build and sustain positive relationships with community members and address study-related concerns effectively.
  • Ensure timely and accurate data uploads and routinely provide progress updates to the study coordinator or trial manager.
  • Contribute to field staff training and perform other duties assigned by study leadership as needed.

Vacancy Requirements

  • Diploma in Public Health, Community health or Social Sciences or any other related field from a recognized institution
  • Experience in conducting cross-sectional surveys, including anthropometric measurements and blood sampling will be an added advantage.
  • Trained in data collection tools like Commcare, ODK, or Redcap. Mandator
  • Knowledge of working with MoH registers.
  • Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices and principles of Human Subject Research.
  • Ability to operate and maintain a motorcycle with a valid license.
  • Ability to develop an in-depth understanding of study goals and its implementation.
  • Strong self-motivation and ability to work in a team, with good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability and willingness to quickly learn additional development skills and  strategies on the job

How to Apply for Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Application Deadline: 30th November 2025


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