Assistant Principal Research Scientist (Bio-statistician/ Epidemiologist) at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

A bio-statistician/ epidemiologist at Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) level. The role will include guidance and support for epidemiological studies providing statistical advice on study design, data collection, data analysis and dissemination. In addition to analysis of complex quantitative datasets the post holder will be expected to publish results in peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to dissemination through conference proceedings and policy briefings. The candidate should ideally have some experience of working with air pollution data and public health. The candidate must have demonstrable competence in bio-statistics and/or epidemiology. Demonstration of effective team work and also independence in steering data analysis is required. Evidence of a strong publication history and of supervision of staff and other team members in analysis is an advantage. The post holder will work closely with the lead of the air pollution and health group at KEMRI CRDR (and co-Director of CLEAN-Air (Africa)) to assist in meeting key deliverables for the CLEANAir (Africa) Unit’s research program, offering advice on study methods to be used to support data collection in line with research objectives. They will be jointly responsible for disseminating findings to academic audiences through publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journal articles and reports to lay/ stakeholder audiences involved in policy making under the supervision of the KEMRI CRDR principal investigator and the CLEAN-Air (Africa) Unit Directorship 

Core responsibilities

• Bio-statistician/ Epidemiologist (PDRA)
• Accountable to the KEMRI CRDR PI/ Co-director of the CLEAN-Air (Africa) Global Health Research Unit, the postholders core responsibilities will include:
• Advice and support to the PI to ensure optimum research scope and methodologies for all aspects quantitative data collection.
• Conduct and leadership of analysis of complex datasets across the program and partnership (including assurance of data quality, supervision of staff/ training in analysis, knowledge translation and dissemination of data analysis – including to lay/ stakeholder audiences).
• Participate in all aspects of publication development (peer-reviewed and other) relevant to dissemination from the Unit (including literature review/ synthesis relevant to the
• research topics undertaken by the Unit).
• Provide advice, support and leadership in the development of grant applications for related funding for the group.
• Provide quantitative/ statistical support to the air pollution centre of excellence (including the air pollution monitoring hub). Reflexive approach to other reasonable tasks assigned by the KEMRI CRDR Air Pollution Centre of Excellence Director.

Key Education, skills and competencies

• Education: PhD in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology or other relevant discipline.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant statistical/ analytical software for quantitative data analysis (e.g., STATA, R, Pyton etc.)
• Ability to learn quickly and analyze household air pollution data
• Flexible, self-driven and motivated
• Excellent communication skills and organization skills
• Evidence of effective work both independently and as a team player
• At least 2 years’ research experience in the field of environmental health and/or public health and epidemiology
• Relevant publication history through peer-reviewed journal articles
• Experience with international/multi country projects is an added advantage