Assistant Research Officer - Social Science at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme

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. KEMRI'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." http://www.kemri.go.ke

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.

Assistant Research Officer (Social Science)– KEMRI - Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP)

The KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP) seeks to invite applications from experienced person to fill the following position.

Reference Number: Clinical-ARO(SS)-05-2026
Employment Type: Full time
Category: Clinical (Clinical KWRP)
Job Grade: 6.01
Country: Kenya
Location: Nairobi and CGTRH -Mombasa
Reports to: Principal Investigator.
Direct reports: Research Officer.
Indirect reports: None.
Budget and Resource Responsibility: None

JOB PURPOSE:

Contribute to the development of data collection tools, organize and conduct empiric work including primary data collection (non-participant observations, focus group discussions, and narrative interviews with mothers, their families, and staff) and undertake data analysis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful applicant will have:

• A bachelor's degree in in relevant subjects such as Social Science & Humanities, Public Health, Nursing, or equivalent from a recognized institution
• At least one-year of research experience, ideally including experience in collecting and analysing qualitative research data
• Knowledge of NVivo (qualitative analysis) software will be an added
• High levels of fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili languages

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.
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

This position will be based in Nairobi and Mombasa and will require regular travel to carry out fieldwork activities.

Apply for this vacancy

Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2026

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