0709 203000 - Nairobi 0709 983000 - Kilifi

0709 203000 - NRB 0709 983000 - Kilifi

0709 203000 - NRB | 0709 983000 - Kilifi

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Early Post-Doctoral Researcher(Malaria and Sickle Cell)

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

The Project is aimed at elucidating the epidemiological and functional dissection of the co-evolution between Plasmodium falciparum parasites and sickle haemoglobin. The main objective is to investigate the epidemiological, population-genetic, and functional significance of a range of specific mutations in P. falciparum parasites through experiments using both natural and genetically engineered organisms and erythrocytes of differing HbS genotype. 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-MLR&SC/009

Job Grade: 9

Country: Kenya

JOB PURPOSE:

The post-holder will work with a research team to coordinate the establishment of panels of wild-type and genetically engineered parasite lines, conduct functional studies, and analyze and document research results

DESCRIPTION:

Number of Positions: 1

Reports to: Principal Investigator (PI)

Direct and indirect reports: Students, Assistant Research Officers, Research Officers

Budget and Resource Responsibility: None.

Duration: One (1) Year, renewable subject to availability of funds and performance

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead in adapting transgenic and wild type P. falciparum parasites in in-vitro cultures and Perform functional assays to characterize P. falciparum adhesion phenotypes.
Network, collaborate and partner with malaria and red blood cell genetics partners, research groups and other internal and external policy stakeholders 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 learning materials and aids to support routine inference and organizing and delivering short online refresher courses where necessary.
Mentor, train and supervise junior researcher and students by developing, implementing and reviewing Scientific Research mentorship approaches to the assigned researchers, students and interns.
Disseminate and publish 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 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 Study’s full compliance with all relevant internal protocols, Lab Safety 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 Immunology or any other relevant field from a recognized university
Minimum One (1) Year Academic and or Practical experience at a reputable Research institution

DESIRABLE

Demonstrated experience in capacity building and the use of current technology in Health Research, specifically the use of analytical software such as Linux, STATA and R.

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.