Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Research Assistant
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Contract
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: KES 70,000 Monthly (Estimated)
• Category/Department: Clinical Research
• Reporting To: Study Manager
• Application Deadline: August 4, 2025, 5:00 PM
• Reference Number: VN00847
• Job Grade: KMR 07

Introduction

An exciting Research Assistant opportunity awaits dynamic professionals in Nairobi, Kenya, to contribute to transformative health research initiatives. This role offers a unique platform to support groundbreaking studies by organizing laboratory activities, ensuring data quality, and fostering community engagement. Perfect for individuals passionate about advancing public health, the Research Assistant position combines project coordination, stakeholder collaboration, and capacity-building to drive meaningful outcomes in Kenya’s vibrant capital.

About KEMRI

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a leading research organization dedicated to addressing critical health challenges through innovative scientific studies. Operating across multiple Kenyan counties, KEMRI conducts cutting-edge research in epidemiology, clinical trials, and public health, collaborating with global partners to deliver evidence-based solutions. Renowned for its commitment to scientific excellence and community impact, KEMRI fosters a culture of innovation, integrity, and collaboration, making it an ideal workplace for professionals eager to shape the future of healthcare in Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and supervise the implementation of all laboratory activities to ensure smooth operations and adherence to study protocols.
• Collaborate with the Research Administrator to ensure timely delivery of study milestones and support the submission of periodic project status reports.
• Develop and design local training programs to build the capacity of project staff in collaboration with the study manager.
• Draft and implement laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training staff to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Liaise with county and sub-county health management teams, Ministry of Health (MOH) departmental heads, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and other project-related materials, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
• Support quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for study data collection procedures to maintain data integrity.
• Translate study tools and documents from English into local languages as needed to enhance participant understanding.
• Coordinate with the study manager to monitor project progress and address any operational challenges.
• Facilitate community engagement activities to promote study awareness and participation.
• Monitor laboratory workflows to ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• Review data collection tools to ensure accuracy and alignment with study objectives.
• Provide feedback to the study manager on staff performance and training needs.
• Document project activities and outcomes for internal and external reporting purposes.
• Ensure all activities align with ethical and regulatory guidelines, maintaining participant confidentiality.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Science, Public Health, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, or Community Health from a recognized institution.
• Training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) to ensure compliance with research standards.
• Strong organizational skills to manage laboratory activities and project deliverables effectively.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Kiswahili for stakeholder engagement and document preparation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for report preparation and data management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics skills are an added advantage for advanced laboratory tasks.
• Experience in research settings or clinical trials is highly desirable.

Company Culture and Values

KEMRI promotes a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration, creating an environment where professionals are empowered to drive impactful research. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and transparency, ensuring all team members are supported in their professional growth. Through continuous training and capacity-building programs, KEMRI equips its staff with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in clinical research, fostering a workplace dedicated to advancing public health in Kenya.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Research Assistant position. Candidates must submit the following documents:

• Updated CV detailing relevant research and academic experience.
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the role and alignment with the job requirements.
• Copies of academic and professional certificates, including your Bachelor’s Degree and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification.
• Valid clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct).
• National Identity Card or equivalent identification.

Applications must be submitted through the KEMRI e-recruitment portal at Apply for this job. Include your email and telephone contact details, as these will be used to schedule interviews. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and required to produce originals of their documents during the interview process. The application deadline is August 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

KEMRI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via the provided email or phone number for further instructions.

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Tags

Research Assistant, Clinical Research Jobs Nairobi, KEMRI Careers 2025, Public Health Jobs Kenya, Laboratory Research Jobs

Why Choose a Career as a Research Assistant in Nairobi?

The Research Assistant role in Nairobi is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to transformative health research while advancing your career in a dynamic environment. This position is ideal for professionals passionate about public health, laboratory coordination, and community engagement. Based in Nairobi, Kenya’s hub for innovation and healthcare, the Research Assistant role offers a platform to work with leading researchers, engage with communities, and build skills that are highly valued in the research and public health sectors.

The Role of a Research Assistant in Clinical Research

As a Research Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of clinical research studies. Your responsibilities will include organizing laboratory activities, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and supporting quality assurance processes. By collaborating with health management teams and stakeholders, you’ll help bridge research and community impact, ensuring studies are conducted efficiently and ethically.

Career Growth and Skill Development

The Research Assistant position offers significant opportunities for professional growth. Working with KEMRI, a globally recognized research institution, you’ll gain exposure to advanced research methodologies and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. The role includes training in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data management, equipping you with transferable skills for future roles in research and public health.

Impacting Public Health in Kenya

Your work as a Research Assistant will directly contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in Kenya. By supporting studies that address critical health challenges, you’ll help generate evidence that informs public health policies. Your role in translating study tools and engaging with communities ensures research is accessible and impactful, benefiting populations across Nairobi and beyond.

Working in Nairobi: A Center for Research Excellence

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is a vibrant hub for research, healthcare, and innovation. As a Research Assistant based in Nairobi, you’ll work in a dynamic environment with access to professional networks, cutting-edge facilities, and a diverse community. The city’s strategic importance makes it an ideal location for conducting impactful research that addresses local and global health challenges.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

The Research Assistant role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including researchers, clinicians, and community partners. Your ability to liaise with county health management teams, MOH officials, and opinion leaders will be critical in ensuring study success. By fostering partnerships, you’ll enhance community trust and participation in research initiatives.

Ensuring Quality and Compliance

Maintaining data quality and ethical compliance is at the heart of the Research Assistant role. You’ll support QA/QC processes, ensuring data collection procedures meet rigorous standards. Your knowledge of GCP and ability to develop SOPs will uphold the credibility of KEMRI’s research, making you an essential part of the team.

Leveraging Technology and Tools

As a Research Assistant, you’ll use tools like Microsoft Office and data management systems to prepare reports, track project progress, and ensure data accuracy. Your ability to translate study tools into local languages will enhance participant engagement, while your organizational skills will streamline laboratory workflows and project deliverables.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

Beyond laboratory tasks, the Research Assistant role involves engaging with communities to promote study awareness and participation. By developing training programs for staff and partners, you’ll build capacity and strengthen research outcomes. Your communication skills will ensure clear, effective interactions with diverse stakeholders.

Professional Development Opportunities

KEMRI’s commitment to professional growth means you’ll have access to training and capacity-building programs that enhance your expertise in clinical research. From mastering bioinformatics to improving your skills in project coordination, this role offers continuous learning opportunities for ambitious professionals.

Why This Role Stands Out

The Research Assistant position is a unique opportunity to blend research coordination with community impact. With a competitive salary of approximately KES 70,000 monthly and a contract-based structure, this role offers both financial stability and professional fulfillment. Working with KEMRI, you’ll contribute to studies that shape the future of healthcare in Kenya.

Preparing for Success

To excel as a Research Assistant, you’ll need to leverage your organizational skills, communication abilities, and research expertise. Your ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple tasks will ensure you thrive in this fast-paced environment. By staying proactive and detail-oriented, you’ll contribute to the success of KEMRI’s research initiatives.

Aligning with Your Career Goals

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, the Research Assistant role aligns with diverse career aspirations. It offers hands-on experience in clinical research, exposure to global health networks, and a platform to make a meaningful impact on public health in Kenya.

The Future of Research in Kenya

Clinical research is a rapidly growing field in Kenya, driven by the need for evidence-based solutions to health challenges. As a Research Assistant, you’ll be at the forefront of this transformation, supporting studies that address critical issues like infectious diseases and public health interventions. This role positions you as a leader in a field shaping the future of healthcare.

Joining KEMRI’s Legacy

By joining KEMRI as a Research Assistant, you’ll become part of a legacy of scientific excellence and community impact. KEMRI’s work has led to breakthroughs in health research, and your contributions will build on this foundation, helping to create a healthier future for Kenyans.

Final Thoughts

The Research Assistant role in Nairobi is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to transformative health research while advancing your career. With a focus on laboratory coordination, data quality, and community engagement, this position offers both professional growth and personal fulfillment. Apply today to join a team dedicated to improving healthcare through innovative research.

Disclaimer: JobKenya.org is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring company directly at icthelpdesk@kemri.go.ke. Please do not send applications to JobKenya.org, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we may not respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.