Several Vacancies

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 the Science, Technology, and Innovation Act 2013, as the national body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya.KEMRI has grown from its humble beginnings over 40 years ago into a regional leader in human health research. The Institute currently ranks among the leading Centres of excellence in health research in Africa and globally. KEMRI is currently hiring in the following positions:

1. Post-Doctoral Researcher - Nairobi/Kilifi
2. Research Officer (Social Science) - Mombasa
3. Post Doctoral Researcher -CARISSA STUDY - Kilifi
4. Epidemiology and Demography Departmental Manager - Kilifi
5. Assistant Research Officer (Social Science) - Nairobi/Mombasa
6. Pharmacist - Kilifi

Post-Doctoral Researcher - Nairobi/Kilifi

• Work as scientists in Kenya within the Health Systems Research Ethics including to help develop, conduct and report on a specific set of research objectives. This is likely to include overseeing and managing a budget, conducting literature reviews, writing specific ethics submissions, developing research protocols, refining mixed methods data collection tools, coordinating and conducting fieldwork, supervising research assistants, analysing data and writing first-author publications.
• Bring theoretical and practical expertise in topics such as empirical ethics, benefit sharing, equity, justice, power-relations in health and research systems, organisational and team functioning, health system resilience, and implementing and evaluating complex interventions.
• Contribute to building capacity in empirical ethics and health systems research in the programme through: building a small team of staff in Kenya working on the project, supervising masters and PhD level researchers, and contributing to organising training and skills-sharing meetings
• Engage with relevant stakeholders in Kenya (including KWTRP managers, senior researchers, ethics committee members, science advisors, health system managers, frontline staff, community representatives), and internationally (including with a frontline staff network, scientific advisors and funders).
• Communicate research goals and findings to different audiences through presentations, talks, publications and other written outputs including as appropriate for websites and social media platforms
• Ensure the ethical conduct of research and foster an inclusive and supportive research culture

Vacancy Requirements:

• A relevant PhD/DPhil in health-related fields such as empirical ethics, anthropology, public health, social sciences, philosophy, health system research, public/community engagement, human behaviour, psychology. Mandatory
• Demonstrated experience in planning and undertaking empirical ethics or health systems studies, including planning for and collecting, analysing and interpreting data. Mandatory
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and manage complex empirical studies including the supervision of research assistants and data quality assurance so that high quality data is produced. Mandatory
• Evidence of ability to produce and publish high quality research that draws on appropriate theory. Mandatory
• Experience of working with international research PIs and with frontline health system/ research staff. Mandatory
• Demonstrated interest in equity in health systems and research conduct; knowledge and working experience in Kenya an added advantage. Added Advantage
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write reports for different audiences and present the group at meetings. Mandatory
• Proficiency in use of qualitative analysis software such as NVivo and, desirable, basic skills in quantitative analysis. Mandatory
• Ability to conduct literature reviews including use of specific search strategies. Mandatory
• Experience in developing an analytic plan and collating, analysing and interpreting qualitative data. Mandatory
• Excellent range of skills across the MS Office suite. Mandatory
• Have high energy, clear goal orientation and a strong work ethic. Mandatory
• Strong organisation/programme management skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and work within tight deadlines. Mandatory
• Ability to write clearly for a scientific audience and to present clearly to non-academic audiences. Mandatory
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment and to multi-task. Mandatory
• Ability to travel within Kenya to remote areas and reside for periods required to collect data or provide supervision. Mandatory
• Ideally the person would be able to travel internationally as part of the multi-country partnership. Mandatory

Research Officer (Social Science) - Mombasa

• To contribute to the development of research proposal as needed, including through reviewing literature and synthesising learning from reviews and supporting the development of data collection tools.
• To support, and in designated instances take primary responsibility for; community sensitization, stakeholder engagement, data collection including, supporting planning for fieldwork, and managing all interactions with study participants in ways that positively support ethical conduct and the collection of high-quality data. Given the nature of the study, fieldwork might sometimes necessitate weekend work.
• To contribute to the management and analysis of data from the study and take primary responsibility for analysis in designated areas.
• To support the dissemination of study findings as necessary, including through the preparation of drafts of reports and manuscripts for publication; making presentations at scientific meetings, and supporting feedback to study participants.
• To actively contribute to developing their capacity in social science and related research methods, particularly for qualitative research. This includes engaging with a wide literature on relevant topics and social science methods, active participation in pieces of training provided, and focused efforts to continuously seek and act on feedback on performance.
• To attend departmental and programme scientific meetings, including Programme seminars and regular meetings of the Social Science Group.
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Vacancy Requirements:

•  Minimum A Master’s degree in a relevant subject such as Social Science & Humanities Anthropology or sociology-, from a recognized institution. Mandatory
• At least 3 years of research experience, ideally including experience in collecting and analysing qualitative research data through interviews, focus group discussions and non-participant observations, health systems research, stakeholder engagement. Mandatory
• Evidence of ability to produce and publish research. Mandatory
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications. Mandatory
• Knowledge of NVivo (qualitative analysis) software will be an added advantage. Added Advantage
• Willingness to travel within Kenya and spend time conducting field work. Desirable
• Excellent understanding of the Kenyan health system. Desirable
• Experience of participatory research and co-design. Desirable
• Excellent organisational and communication skills. Desirable
• Experience of engaging with stakeholders at community, hospital, county and national level. Desirable
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality Mandatory
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Mandatory
• Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators Mandatory
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines. Mandatory
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail Mandatory

Post Doctoral Researcher -CARISSA STUDY - Kilifi

• 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.
• Network, collaborate and partner with the other Departments, research groups and other internal and external CARisSA Study stakeholders and support in Project Management to ensure quality of outputs and timely completion of Projects
• Work with the Principal Investigator and other Programme Researchers to identify sustainable funding opportunities and develop proposals to secure Research Grants and funding.
• Contribute to Capacity building by developing and maintaining user-friendly study related learning aids and reference materials as well as organizing and delivering short online refresher courses as necessary.
• Mentor CARisSA Study researcher team by developing, implementing and reviewing Scientific Research mentorship approaches to the assigned AROs, Postgraduate students and interns
• Disseminate and publish CARisSA 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 CARisSA Study research team by providing direct supervision to the assigned team members and participate in other study HR Management issues as assigned
• Contribute to the CARisSA Study research 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

Vacancy Requirements:

• Minimum PhD in in Epidemiology or related field any other relevant field from a recognized university Mandatory
• An undergraduate degree in a health-related field (including Medicine and Surgery) Mandatory
• If medically qualified, should be registered (or eligible to be registered) with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board Mandatory
• Minimum One (1) Year Academic and/or Practical experience in Research from a reputable Research institution Mandatory
• Demonstrated Strong experience in quantitative skills and proficient in advanced statistical programming e.g. with Stata/R or other software Mandatory
• Experience in conducting field/clinical research Mandatory
• Experience working with external stakeholders as well as community health workers Mandatory
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality Ethics & Integrity
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Skills & Competencies
• Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators Skills & Competencies
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines. Skills & Competencies
• Strong Team Management and decision-making skills Skills & Competencies

Epidemiology and Demography Departmental Manager - Kilifi

• Lead the Epidemiology and Demography Department (EDD) Operations team, which currently comprises 11 staff with expertise in HR, Finance, Communications, Community Engagement, Procurement, Administration and Data Management.
• Line manage staff in the EDD Operations team, including Department Accountant, Community Liaison Officer, Executive Administrative Officer and Project Manager, and provide professional and pastoral support for the wider team of EDD staff.
• Together with the Head of Department and EDD Management team, engage in the strategic development of the Department, including strengthening relationships between staff at the KWTRP main campus in Kilifi and staff in Nairobi, as well as satellite and partner sites.
• Build relationships with KWTRP central administrative and operational departments including Facilities & Transport, Finance, HR, IT, Procurement, Health & Safety and the Research Office, and with other scientific departments, including colleagues based in Nairobi.
• Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders in Kenya, including Kilifi County Ministry of Health, and international collaborators and funders, including the University of Oxford and Wellcome Trust.
• Provide financial oversight of all EDD grants. Work with the Department Accountant and PIs to oversee budgeting, expenditure monitoring, reporting, invoicing, and tracking timely payments of invoices by funders and collaborators.
• Provide oversight of regulatory processes for studies within the department including submissions and renewals of protocols and oversee compliance with funder requirements regarding open access publications.
• Support applications for grants and training fellowships by EDD scientists at all levels: Masters, PhD Post-doctoral and mid-career to senior, providing guidance on KWTRP internal requirements and funder rules and regulations.
• Champion communications and engagement initiatives, working closely with colleagues in EDD and with the Communications Department. This includes organising major events and initiatives that bring together internal, local, and international audiences in formats that may be in-person, virtual or hybrid.
• Oversee staffing within the Department, providing guidance on recruitment, induction, professional development and performance, and helping to identify opportunities for staff approaching end of contract.
• Support and deputise for the Head of Department, taking on tasks and responsibilities as required.

Vacancy Requirements:

• A Masters in Business Administration/ Project Management or professional training or equivalent from an accredited institution. Mandatory
• An undergraduate degree in science discipline. Mandatory
• Minimum Ten (10) years relevant experience, five (5) years of which at Managerial level. Mandatory
• Experience managing a large and diverse organization or department in a similar setting. Mandatory
• Exceptional project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple large projects simultaneously. Mandatory
• Significant skills in leadership, organization, prioritisation, problem solving and decision making. Mandatory
• Financially literate with sound knowledge of budgeting methodologies and resource management concepts including proven experience of preparing and monitoring budgets and financial reports. Mandatory
• Demonstrable experience in writing high quality reports and presentations in English, with evidence of being attentive to detail. Mandatory
• Strong scientific background Desirable
• Health or science-related management background. Desirable
• Experience in developing science careers and interacting with major science or Global Health funders (e.g. Wellcome Trust, MRC, BMGF, NIH). Desirable
• Experience in organizing large international events. Desirable
• Multi-lingual with fluency in English and Kiswahili. Desirable
• Project Management Certification Desirable
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality Ethics & Integrity
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Skills & Competencies
•  Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators Skills & Competencies
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines. Skills & Competencies
•  Strong Team Management and decision-making skills Skills & Competencies

Assistant Research Officer (Social Science) - Nairobi/Mombasa

• Participate in building and maintaining relationships, networks and collaborations with the other Departments, research groups and other stakeholders and assist in the Study Project Management to ensure quality of outputs and timely completion of the Project
• Support in Community sensitization
• Data collection including supporting the development of qualitative data collection tools, supporting planning for fieldwork, and managing all interactions with study participants in ways that positively support ethical conduct and the collection of high-quality data. Given the nature of the study, fieldwork might sometimes necessitate weekend work.
• To contribute to the management and analysis of data from the study
• Contribute to report writing, dissemination and publishing of study research work by authoring in various reputable scientific journals, and supporting dissemination at various internal and external meetings, conferences, workshops and other relevant Scientific forums
• Contribute to the Study 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 proper documentation and adherence at all Research Phases
• And any other duties that may be assigned by the line manager.

Vacancy Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in in relevant subjects such as Social Science & Humanities, Public Health, Nursing, or equivalent from a recognized institution Mandatory
• At least one-year of research experience, ideally including experience in collecting and analysing qualitative research data Mandatory
• Knowledge of NVivo (qualitative analysis) software will be an added Added Advantage
• High levels of fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili languages Mandatory
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality Ethics & Integrity
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Skills & Competencies
• Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators Skills & Competencies
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines. Skills & Competencies
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail Skills & Competencies

Pharmacist - Kilifi

• 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.

Vacancy Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy or any other relevant field from a recognized university Mandatory
• Must be registered with the Pharmacy & Poisons Board. Mandatory
• Registration Certificate as a Pharmacist (PPB), Annual Practice License for a Pharmacist (PPB) Mandatory
• Sound knowledge of GCP, SOPs, Pharmacy law and regulatory requirements, and pharmacovigilance. Mandatory
• Experience working in vaccine or maternal–infant studies is an added advantage Added Advantage
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality Ethics & Integrity
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Skills & Competencies
• Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators Skills & Competencies
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines. Skills & Competencies
• Strong team management and decision-making skills Skills & Competencies

Apply online below