The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has three active contract vacancies closing 19 May 2026 — a Senior Laboratory Analyst in Kisumu, a Laboratory Technologist in Isiolo County, and an Administrative Assistant in Kisumu. All three roles sit within KEMRI’s research operations and require candidates who can work in active field and laboratory environments.
Senior Laboratory Analyst (Laboratory Manager) – Kisumu
Location | Deadline | Contract Type
📍 Kisumu, Kenya 📅 19 May 2026 📄 Contract
What the Role Involves
The Senior Laboratory Analyst will serve as Laboratory Manager, overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations, supervising laboratory staff and students on attachment, and ensuring compliance with quality assurance and safety standards. This is a senior-level scientific role combining hands-on laboratory work with supervisory, reporting, and procurement responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Verify, approve, and record laboratory findings
- Supervise disinfection, washing, and sterilisation of apparatus; maintain equipment and reagents
- Archive specimens of medical importance for reference
- Prepare periodical reports and requisitions for laboratory equipment, chemicals, stains, and reagents
- Maintain laboratory registers and record analysed samples
- Supervise laboratory staff and students on attachment
- Screen and assign workload; plan, prioritise, and assign tasks and projects
- Determine and implement standard safety procedures and controls
- Participate in budget and procurement plan preparation
- Prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Prepare work plans and periodical reports
- Identify training gaps among research scientists, technicians, and technologists and recommend interventions
- Write manuscripts as required by laboratory leadership
Requirements
Education — both mandatory:
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Analytical/Applied Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Applied Sciences/Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Science & Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Biotechnology, or equivalent
- Master of Science degree in Medical Parasitology & Entomology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Medical Microbiology, Clinical Cytology/Histopathology, Immunology, Epidemiology, Laboratory Management, Molecular Sciences/Biology, Virology, Mycology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or equivalent
Other mandatory requirements:
- Supervisory course of not less than two weeks from a recognised institution
- Proficiency in computer applications
Skills & competencies (added advantage):
- Proficiency in bioinformatics and statistical analysis
- Training in ISO 15189 implementation
- Strong analytical, communication, mentorship, and interpersonal skills
Apply for the Senior Laboratory Analyst role →
Laboratory Technologist – Isiolo County
Location | Deadline | Contract Type
📍 Isiolo County, Kenya 📅 19 May 2026 📄 Contract
What the Role Involves
The Laboratory Technologist will be based at the Eremet onsite laboratory in Isiolo County, supporting the PBIDS 2.0 research project. You’ll conduct phlebotomy, collect biological specimens, perform sample analysis, and maintain laboratory records and equipment in a field research environment. Prior experience working in Isiolo County is a mandatory requirement — not a preference.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive and consent participants referred to the Eremet onsite laboratory for specimen collection
- Perform phlebotomy and prepare samples for investigation purposes
- Collect oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs as required
- Accurately label and analyse samples — blood, NP/OP swabs, tissue, and other specimen types
- Maintain proper documentation of all study data during procedures
- Perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment
- Monitor laboratory supplies and place necessary orders
- Complete QA/QC assignments on laboratory data, samples, and records
- Keep lab work areas clean and organised
- Assist with laboratory administrative duties
Requirements
All of the following are mandatory:
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
- Fluency in English, Turkana, and Swahili — both written and spoken
- Current registration and valid practising licence from the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLLTB)
- Certificate in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and/or Human Subjects Protection
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated experience working in Isiolo County — this is a hard requirement
- Experience in research settings
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills
Apply for the Laboratory Technologist role →
Administrative Assistant – Kisumu
Location | Deadline | Contract Type
📍 Kisumu, Kenya (with coordination across Nairobi and Isiolo sites) 📅 19 May 2026 📄 Contract
What the Role Involves
The Administrative Assistant will coordinate project supplies, procurement follow-up, stock management, and administrative functions for the PBIDS 2.0 project across its main sites in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Isiolo. This is a logistics-heavy administrative role requiring strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple field teams simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate all project supplies for PBIDS 2.0 supported activities across Kisumu, Nairobi, Isiolo, and additional Detect sites
- Work with field team leads to request and follow up on procurement of goods and services — verifying invoices against goods delivered and ensuring timely delivery to stated specifications
- Maintain frequent updates to the stock database showing stock-in and stock-out movements
- Assist in verification of invoices and bills from field offices prior to payment
- Participate in budget preparation for project supplies, workshops, conferences, participant reimbursements, and transport
- Document project vehicle mileage and track/update vehicle maintenance reports
- Participate in project meetings and prepare relevant correspondence for field teams
- Ensure day-to-day smooth operation of all departmental administrative functions
- Undertake any other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor
Requirements
Mandatory:
- Diploma in Business Administration, Management, Fleet Management, Public Administration, Purchasing and Supplies Management, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution
- Proficiency in computer applications
Skills:
- Strong planning, communication, and reporting skills
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team
Apply for the Administrative Assistant role →
How to Apply for All Three KEMRI Roles
Apply through the KEMRI official careers portal using the direct links for each position:
About KEMRI
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established under the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, subsequently revised under the Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013. KEMRI serves as Kenya’s national body responsible for health research, operating multiple research programmes and field stations across the country. The institute works in partnership with international health organisations, donor agencies, and government health bodies to generate evidence that informs Kenya’s public health policy and practice.
