0709 203000 - Nairobi 0709 983000 - Kilifi

0709 203000 - NRB 0709 983000 - Kilifi

0709 203000 - NRB | 0709 983000 - Kilifi

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Early Post-Doctoral Researcher-Genomics

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a state corporation established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, as the national body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya. KEMRl’s vision is “to be a leading centre of excellence in research for human health,” and its mission is “to improve human health and quality of life through research, capacity building, innovation, and service delivery.”

The KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP) is a partnership between KEMRI, Wellcome, and the University of Oxford. The Programme established in 1989, has evolved from conducting research in the immunology and epidemiology of malaria to a world class research institute conducting multi-disciplinary research that spans molecular biology to health systems and policy research. The Program works across 3 main hubs in Kenya (Nairobi and Kilifi) based at the KEMRI Centre for Geographical Medicine Research- Coast Kilifi and Uganda (Mbale) with an international network of collaborating sites.

The Project

ViGOR (Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response in Central/East Africa)unites KEMRI-Wellcome, INRB, and INRAPE to integrate genomic, epidemiological, and metadata to inform outbreak response. In partnership with the Zeeman Institute modelling team at the University of Warwick, ViGOR aims to advance methodologies for complex, individual-level data, apply them to genomic outbreak data, and develop user-friendly tools and training to embed model-informed insights into surveillance pipelines. The KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP) seeks to invite applications from experienced person to fill the following position.

Job Location: Kilifi

Job Type: Full-time

Reference Number: KWTRP26/EPD/010

Job Grade: 9

Country: Kenya

JOB PURPOSE:

This role is responsible for leading in the design and development of tools, data analysis, integration, implementation, collaboration, dissemination and capacity building on Genomic and Bioinformatics for the ViGOR Project.

DESCRIPTION:

Number of Positions: 1

Reports to: Principal Investigator (PI)

Direct and indirect reports: Assistant Research Officers, Laboratory Technologists

Budget and Resource Responsibility: None.

Duration: Two(2) Years, renewable subject to availability of funds and performance

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead in Genomics and Bioinformatics work by designing, implementing, and maintaining end-to-end genomic data processing pipelines through data analysis, quality control, read processing, variant calling, phylogenetics, and lineage assignment across ViGOR.
Network, collaborate and partner with the Warwick Genomics and Bioinformatics team, other ViGOR partners, research groups and other internal and external policy stakeholders to deliver integrated genomics and bioinformatics insights for Central and East Africa and support in Project Management to ensure quality of outputs and timely completion of the Project
Work with the Principal Investigator and other Programme Researchers to identify sustainable funding opportunities and develop proposals to secure Research Grants and funding.
Develop and maintain user-friendly Genomics and Bioinformatics learning materials such as computational tools, pipelines, and dashboards to support routine model inference and surveillance as well as organizing and delivering short online refresher courses
Mentor ViGOR Genomics and Bioinformatics fellows by developing, implementing and reviewing Scientific Research mentorship approaches to the assigned ViGOR fellows, other researchers, students and interns.
Disseminate and publish ViGOR study research work by preparing policy briefs, manuscripts, publishing in reputable scientific journals and disseminating at various internal and external meetings, conferences, workshops and other relevant Scientific forums
Manage the ViGOR Genomics and Bioinformatics study teams by providing direct supervision to Study research and operations team members and participate in other study HR Management issues as assigned
Contribute to the ViGOR Study’s full compliance with all relevant internal protocols, policies and procedures as well as all legal, ethical and regulatory requirements by ensuring proper documentation and adherence at all Research Phases.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum PhD in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Epidemiology, Computational biology, Virology or any other relevant field from a recognized university
Minimum One (1) Year Academic and/or Practical experience in handling Genomic Data Pipelines at a reputable Research institution

DESIRABLE

Demonstrated experience in capacity building and the use of current technology in Health Research, specifically the cloud-based computational Genomic Data Pipelines, Bayesian inference/MCMC

COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators
Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines.
Strong team coordination and decision-making skills

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

The postholder will be expected to work flexibly, including occasionally outside normal working hours when required

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

All applications for roles in KEMRI and its partners (including KWRP) are centrally applied for using https://www.kemri.go.ke/ E-recruitment portal. To apply for this post, you must register as a user. Log into your account, then proceed to the vacancies, view the post and click on the button: “Apply Now”

Applications which should include your CV, Cover letter, copies of certified academic certificates, testimonials and other relevant documents should be made through KEMRI Website

Successful candidates will be required to provide the following: Certificate of good conduct,

Higher Education Loans Board compliance certificate, KRA Tax compliance certificate, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission clearance.

Applicants are required to state their current/last salary.

Applicants are required to provide a valid email address and telephone number for communication regarding interview invitations. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. During the interview, shortlisted candidates must present the ORIGINALS of the following documents: National Identity Card or Passport, academic and professional certificates, academic transcripts, testimonials, a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and a valid clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct or its equivalent).

All the applications to be done through KEMRI Website https:///www.kemri.go.ke/e- recruitment –

E-Recruitment Portal on or before 21^st April,2026 by 5.00 p.m.

KEMRI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITED TO DIVERSITY; PERSONS WHO ARE ABLED DIFFERENTLY, WOMEN, YOUTH AND THOSE FROM MARGINALIZED AREAS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. DIRECT OR INDIRECT CANVASSING WILL LEAD TO AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION. KEMRI DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF ITS RECRUITMENT PROCESS INCLUDING APPLICATION, INTERVIEW AND PROCESSING OF OFFER LETTER. IF ASKED FOR A FEE, REPORT SUCH REQUEST IMMEDIATELY.