0709 203000 - Nairobi 0709 983000 - Kilifi
0709 203000 - NRB 0709 983000 - Kilifi
0709 203000 - NRB | 0709 983000 - Kilifi

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Early Post-Doctoral Researcher- Immunology

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.

Job Location: Kilifi

Job Type: Full-time

Reference Number: KWTRP26/EPD-IMUN/003

Job Grade: 9

Country: Kenya

JOB PURPOSE:

This role is responsible for leading in the design and development of tools, data generation using molecular biology tools, analysis, interpretation, dissemination, collaboration and capacity building for the human infection (challenge) platform.

DESCRIPTION:

Number of Positions: 1

Reports to:  Principal Investigator (PI)

Direct and indirect reports: Assistant Research Officers, Laboratory Technologists

Budget and Resource Responsibility:  None.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Lead the collection, processing, compilation, and analysis of study data/samples and ensure all related records and reports are handled and managed in line with study protocols and laboratory analytical plans.
  2. Network, collaborate and partner with the other Departments, research groups and other internal and external human infection (challenge) stakeholders and support in Project Management to ensure quality of outputs and timely completion of Projects
  3. Work with the Principal Investigator and other Programme Researchers to identify sustainable funding opportunities and develop proposals to secure Research Grants and funding.
  4. Contribute to Capacity building by developing and maintaining user-friendly human infection (challenge)learning aids and reference materials as well as organizing and delivering short online refresher courses as necessary.
  5. Mentor human infection (challenge)researchers by developing, implementing and reviewing Scientific Research mentorship approaches to the assigned AROs, Postgraduate students and interns
  6. Disseminate and publish human infection (challenge)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
  7. Manage the human infection (challenge) team by providing direct supervision to the assigned team members and participate in other study HR Management issues as assigned
  8. Contribute to the human infection (challenge) team’s full compliance with all relevant internal ethical and Research Governance protocols, policies and procedures as well as all external legal, ethical and regulatory requirements by ensuring proper documentation and adherence at all Research Phases

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Minimum PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Microbiology, or any other relevant field from a recognized university
  2. Minimum One (1) Year Academic and/or Practical experience in biomedical research at a reputable Academic or Research institution

DESIRABLE

Demonstrated experience in capacity building and the use of current technology in Health Research, specifically analytical packages, like R, STATA and other analytical software

COMPETENCIES:

  1. Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality
  2. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
  3. Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators
  4. Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines.
  5. Strong team management 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 21st 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.