Assistant Research Officer - Chanjo Hub Project at KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme

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

Assistant Research Officer (Chanjo Hub Project) – KEMRI - Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP)

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.

Reference Number: HSRE-ARO(CHP)-04-2026
Employment Type: Full time
Category: Health Systems and Research Ethics (HSRE KWRP)
Job Grade: 6.01
Location: Nairobi
Reports to: Principal Investigator.
Direct reports: Research Officer.
Indirect reports: None.
Budget and Resource Responsibility: Responsible for a laptop computer, one or more digital voice recorders used in this work; and for impress budgets up to approximately KES 100,000/-associated with fieldwork and meetings planning.

JOB PURPOSE:

Chanjo-hub project aims to investigate the feasibility of establishing local vaccine manufacturing pipeline in Africa, with a focus on Kenya and Ghana. The social science workstream is examining facilitators and barriers to local vaccine manufacturing, including issues of public trust and vaccine confidence. The post-holder will be part of the social science team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To contribute to reviews of the published scientific literature and national and international guidelines or policy documents as appropriate.
• Planning and conducting effective qualitative and quantitative research data collection activities within HSRE, including through interviews, group discussions and observations.
• Undertaking accurate and efficient transcription and translation of data collected, including transcribing data from voice files, translation between Kiswahili and English.
• Maintaining accountable records of all activities conducted and data collected, including field diaries where requested by researchers, consent forms, interview guides, workshop reports among others
• Provide support to study participants who require referral to hospitals as described within Programme policy and guidelines and consult where necessary.
• Arrange budgets, logistics, and resources for research activities, ensuring all materials, equipment, venues, and transportation are planned, taking accurate meeting notes, tracking action points, and assisting with collaborative planning and coordination to ensure effective teamwork and program delivery.
• Participate in action research activities including planning and feedback sessions with stakeholders/participants and evaluating Primary and Junior school learners' activities; consulting with schools and communities; and supporting recruitment and consent of participants where relevant.
• Contribute the development of data collection tools and collect qualitative and/or quantitative data for the various engagement activities, data analysis and reporting.
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful applicant will have:

• A bachelor's degree in Social Science & Humanities, Public Health, Nursing or equivalent
• At least one-year experience of qualitative data collection skills including conducting group and individual interviews and discussions, and/or translation and transcription of qualitative data
• High levels of fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili languages.
• High levels of computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications including Word and Excel.

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 will require regular travel to carry out fieldwork activities.

Apply for this vacancy

Deadline: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

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