Keprecon is inviting applications from qualified and motivated nurses to serve as Research Nurses for the NEWS-HEAT Study across multiple county referral hospitals in Kenya. This is a locum-based research opportunity lasting 5–8 months depending on the facility.
Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026 (Close of Business) Location: Multiple Facilities Across Kenya Contract Type: Locum (5–8 Months) Positions: 4 Research Nurses per hospital Apply: MS-newsheatqueries@nottingham.ac.uk
About the NEWS-HEAT Study
The NEWS-HEAT trial is a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) conducted in Kenya to evaluate the effectiveness of a care bundle designed to reduce neonatal hypothermia in preterm and low-birth-weight babies. The trial compares Early Essential Newborn Care (EENC) alone versus EENC combined with the NEWS-HEAT care bundle, which includes temperature monitoring and a traffic-light early warning system to guide clinical interventions. The study is conducted by Keprecon in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and participating Kenyan health facilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate study activities at the facility in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and facility leadership
- Work closely with the Maternity In-Charge and labour ward, postnatal ward, and newborn unit teams to ensure smooth study implementation
- Identify eligible participants and conduct informed consent procedures in accordance with the study protocol
- Provide clear information to families regarding the study and respond to study-related queries
- Collect, record, and enter study data accurately into the electronic database
- Ensure completeness and quality of data and resolve any discrepancies
- Maintain essential study documentation including the Investigator Site File
- Ensure adherence to the study protocol, ethical standards, and ICH-GCP guidelines
- Participate in study trainings and support ongoing orientation of relevant hospital staff
- Assist in identification and consenting of participants for qualitative components such as focus group discussions, working closely with the qualitative research team
- Prepare periodic reports — weekly, monthly, and quarterly — as required
Qualifications and Skills
Applicants must:
- Be a Kenya Registered Nurse/Midwife (KRN/KRM), Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN), or hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Have at least one (1) year post-qualification experience in a busy maternity unit
- Have basic computer proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office applications
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Kiswahili
- Possess strong organisational, documentation, and time-management skills
- Be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Prior experience working in research is an added advantage
Terms of Appointment
- Appointment will be on a locum basis for 5–8 months depending on the facility
- Shifts will cover 24-hour rosters including day and night duty, weekdays and weekends to ensure smooth delivery of the trial
Participating Facilities & Duration
- Bungoma County Referral Hospital — 8 Months
- Busia County Referral Hospital — 8 Months
- Embu Level Five Hospital — 8 Months
- Homabay County Teaching & Referral Hospital — 8 Months
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital — 8 Months
(Additional facilities may have been listed — confirm full list in the official job description)
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their application as one PDF file containing:
- Cover letter indicating preferred facility
- Copies of certificates
- Curriculum Vitae
To: MS-newsheatqueries@nottingham.ac.uk Addressed to: The Project Manager, NEWS-HEAT Trial Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026 — Close of Business
