VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Research Pharmacist

Job Location: Kilifi

Job Type: Full-time

Reference Number: KWTRP26/EDD -PHARM /001

Job Grade: 7

Country: Kenya

JOB PURPOSE:

To support the safe and compliant conduct of the RSV Maternal Immunization IMPACT Trial by managing investigational medicinal product (IMP), supporting participant randomization procedures, and ensuring accurate dispensing and documentation of the IMP.

DESCRIPTION:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assume professional responsibility for all pharmacy services for the trial.
Participate in protocol development, submission, and manuscript writing/review

Maintain a thorough understanding of the study protocol, study specific procedures, randomization procedures, trial logistics, and pharmacy requirements to support effective trial conduct.

Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality systems.
Support participant randomization process in line with the protocol, ensuring correct linkage between randomization codes and dispensing of the IMP.
Train and supervise pharmaceutical technologists, dispensers, and all research staff involved in Investigational Product (IP) handling

Manage regulatory applications for import/export permits, drug testing at the NQCL, and authorization for pharmaceutical destruction.
Develop product specifications and support IMP management, including ordering, receipt, documentation, secure storage, access control, inventory management, and reconciliation.

Dispense the investigational medicinal product and prescribed participant drugs for acute illness and maintain accurate records of all dispensed drugs to ensure accountability and traceability.
Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready pharmacy records, including dispensing logs, inventory records, accountability logs, temperature logs, and study documentation.
Conduct quality checks on investigational product, report discrepancies, deviations, and temperature excursions, and coordinate return or destruction of unused or expired IMPs at study close-out.

Participate in site monitoring visits, audits, and inspections
Ensure IMP storage equipment is validated and in good working condition
Support participant safety by contributing to pharmacovigilance activities, including monitoring, documentation, and timely reporting of adverse events, SAEs, SUSARs, and protocol deviations.

Maintain a compliant, organized, and secure pharmacy environment
General Responsibilities: Provide routine clinical services and perform any other research, administrative, or delegated duties as assigned by the Principal Investigators.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or any other relevant field from a recognized university
Must be registered with the Pharmacy & Poisons Board.
Registration Certificate as a Pharmacist (PPB), Annual Practice License for a Pharmacist (PPB)

Sound knowledge of GCP, SOPs, Pharmacy law and regulatory requirements, and pharmacovigilance.
Experience working in vaccine or maternal–infant studies is an added advantage

DESIRABLE

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 management and decision-making skills

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

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.