Job Opportunities at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Vacancy No. CVDC/014/03/23

Position summary

The candidate will be expected to support the data collection on local economic indicators to understand whether the health intervention may indirectly benefit the community’s livelihoods. The candidate will be based in the field, preferably in his/her village of residence and will be involved in health economic data collection

Job Specification

• Follow Study Specific Procedures (SSPs) in terms of administering Informed Consent Forms (ICFs), data collection, and household visits, among others.
• Make monthly visits to the study households in the field complying with the program and study goals.
• Establish good relationships with the study participants and proceed ethically and professionally during field activities.
• Administer ICFs and enrol study participants.
• Be part of the team of fieldworkers responsible for administering the questionnaires for the Health and Economics study of the BOHEMIA project.
• Be part of the team of fieldworkers responsible for administering the questionnaire and performing skin examination for the sub-study of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) of the BOHEMIA project.
• Keep an open communication with study coordinators to ensure fieldwork is done according to protocol and study goals are met, as well as to report on challenges encountered in the field and resolve anomalies detected in the data.

Person specification

• KCSE certificate with mean grade D
• A certificate in any biomedical sciences will be an added advantage
• Proficiency in reading and writing in English and Kiswahili
• Ability to meet project objectives and deadlines and collect high quality data;
• Ability to use devices for electronic data capture;
• Good communication skills, flexibility, integrity and professionalism;
• Must be a Kwale resident preferably from Lunga Lunga or Msambweni Sub County and fluent in a Mijikenda language;
• Valid Motorcycle riding licence will an added advantage.
• Previous experience working with the community will be an added advantage;
• Experience with health or economic research or program will be an added advantage.

Terms of Employment

• Seven (7) months renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is payable within the stated job grade

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Vacancy No. CVDC/013/03/23

Position summary

The candidate will be expected to support laboratory activities in Kwale KEMRI laboratory. The Laboratory Technologists will be asked to coordinate and process sample receival, storage, processing and shipment. The Laboratory Technologists will have good knowledge of quality assurance procedures, be able to draft, follow and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as laboratory analytical plan. The Laboratory Technologists will work together with a team of field workers, scientists and clinicians and will provide support in the lab when requested.

Job Specification

• Learn and follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the study including: receipt and registration of samples, sample quality control, storage of biological samples, follow-up of samples and resolution of anomalies, among others;
• Keep all sample registration and recording and ensure it is conducted appropriately;
• Participate in training of field workers;
• Ensure adequate sample labelling and storage.
• Perform quality assurance activities and anomalies resolution;
• Ensure that the handling of samples follows the flow established in the SOPs;
• Keep an open communication with the Laboratory Supervisor to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for the protection of human participants;
• Assist in the preparation of the shipping of samples to the processing laboratories in Kilifi, Kenya, and Basel, Switzerland;
• Follow the biosafety rules applicable in the work area;
• Attend all necessary trainings;
• Whenever necessary, other tasks may be assigned.

Person specification

• Diploma in biomedical sciences, laboratory technology or any other related field;
• IATA certificate will be an added advantage;
• GCP and GCLP training will be an added advantage;
• Proficiency in reading and writing in English and Swahili
• study specific procedures.
• Experience in Laboratory Techniques.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP).
• Knowledge of basic informatics: ability to input data into a tablet.
• Experience working in Kwale County or knowledge of the area (desired, but not essential)
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Team player and proactive.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Terms of Employment

Eight (8) months renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is payable within the stated job grade.

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Vacancy No. CVDC/012/03/23

Position summary

The candidate will be expected to supervise and support laboratory activities in Kwale KEMRI laboratory. The Laboratory Supervisor will be asked to oversee a team of laboratory technologists in the coordination and processing of clinical trial samples including sample receival, storage, processing and shipment. They will be in charge of implementing and overseeing quality assurance procedures and delegation of tasks within their team. The Laboratory supervisor will be asked to draft or assist in the drafting of a laboratory analytical plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The laboratory supervisor will lead the KEMRI Kwale Lab team of the BOHEMIA study and will work together with a team of field workers, scientists and clinicians providing support when requested. They will report to the BOHEMIA laboratory lead.

Job Specification

• Draft and/or oversee the drafting and reviewing of the study laboratory analytical plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) including: receipt and registration of samples, sample quality control, storage of biological samples, follow-up of samples and resolution of anomalies, among others;
• Ensure all procedures follow established and approved SOPs and regulatory requirements for the protection of human participants;
• Conduct trainings of junior lab technologists and field workers;
• Oversee that sample registration and storage processes are in place and flowing as appropriate;
• Ensure and oversee adequate sample labelling and storage;
• Lead and coordinate quality assurance activities and anomalies resolution;
• Keep an open communication with the project manager and other study teams;
• Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP;
• Lead the preparation of sample shipment to the processing laboratories in Kilifi, Kenya, and Basel, Switzerland.
• Follow all biosafety rules applicable in the work area;
• Whenever necessary, other tasks may be assigned.

Person specification

• Degree in medical laboratory sciences or equivalent qualification
• Registration Certificate issued by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
• Valid practicing license from KMLTTB
• Training in GCP and GCLP.
• IATA certificate.
• Proficiency in reading and writing in English and Kiswahili;
• Experience working in clinical trials, following and drafting study protocols and SOPs;
• Experience training junior laboratory staff, students or interns;
• Knowledge of basic informatics: ability to work with basic computer programs (Microsoft Office package, Google Chrome) and input data into a tablet;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Good communication and leadership skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills including: problem-solving, team leadership, flexibility, adaptability and ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Experience working in malaria-related research or programme will be an added advantage;
• Experience managing teams and coordinating human resources and procurement in the laboratory will be an added advantage;
• Experience working in Kwale County or knowledge of the area will be an added advantage

Terms of Employment

Eight (8) months renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is payable within the stated job grade

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Vacancy No. CVDC/011/03/23

Position summary

The candidate will be expected to assist the study medical officer (MO) with the safety monitoring of the BOHEMIA clinical trial. The CO will be part of a team of two COs and one MO and they will be responsible for implementing trial safety monitoring, follow-up, documenting, reporting and evaluation of adverse events

Job Specification

• Follow guidance given by the MO of the BOHEMIA clinical trial;
• Be familiar with the study protocol, procedures, informed consent forms, participant diaries, study medication and dosage, and timeline;
• Obtain all necessary training and participate in study specific trainings;
• Provide training support to field officers or others as required;
• Assist with the establishment of a reporting system between the field staff, the site clinical team and the Sponsor for SAEs and pregnancies;
• Carry out an investigation for every SAE registered and fill out follow up reports;
• Adhere to strict reporting guidelines;
• Assist the clinical trial team during the monitoring visits;
• Address the monitoring team findings of the clinical trial;
• Undertake any other clinical related duties as required by study principal investigator.

Person specification

• Diploma in Clinical Medicine;
• Be registered with relevant authorities and in possession of a valid practicing license;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written;
• Training in Good Clinical Practices and Paediatric Life Support are added advantages.
• Experience in medical research and clinical trials is desirable;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel;
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to motivate a team and inspire others;
• Solid organizational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking skills;
• Excellent time management, prioritization and organizational skills;
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ability to handle troublesome situations and anticipate issues with a decisive attitude;
• utstanding communication skills with ability to adapt to different types of audiences maintaining cultural sensitivity and professionalism;
• Willingness to live in Kwale and proficiency in Mijikenda languages;
• Experience working in Kwale will be an added advantage.

Terms of Employment

Eight (8) months renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is payable within the stated job grade

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Vacancy No. CVDC/010/03/23

Position summary

The candidate will be expected to assist the BOHEMIA trial study pharmacist in all investigational medical product (IMP) related duties from storage, handling, dispensing and disposal as well as ensure proper handling and management of study documentation throughout. The pharmacist technician will report to the study pharmacist.

Job Specification

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the study protocols, goals and logistics required to conduct the clinical trial;
• Assist the pharmacist in IMP management including reception, storage and dispensing to clinical trial staff;
• Ensure IMP is dispensed to study participants and prepare prescriptions and accountability logs for all dispensed medicines;
• Update the dispensing and inventory logs under the supervision of the pharmacist;
• Support and promote the safe and ethical use of investigational drugs;
• Adhere to the standard operating procedures for the IMP management as per study protocol;
• Working professionally and ethically with competence, accountability, and integrity;
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the study pharmacist.

Person specification

• Diploma in pharmacy from PPB accredited institution
• Must be enrolled with the Pharmacy & Poisons Board
• Experience working in clinical research setting is an added advantage
• Experience working in Kwale
• At least two years’ experience working in a clinical trial or research setting or equivalent
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective written communication skills, including project reporting, including using MS Word, Power point, and MS Excel

Terms of Employment

• Six (6) months renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is payable within the stated job grade.

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Vacancy No. CVDC/05A/03/23

Position summary

The candidate will be expected to perform investigational medical product (IMP) related duties from drug importation, repackaging, storage, handling, dispensing and disposal as well as ensuring adequate documentation is in place throughout. The study pharmacist will work together with a clinical team and will supervise pharmacy technologists. The pharmacist will report to the principal investigator.

Job Specification

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the study protocols, goals and logistics required to conduct the clinical trial;
• iEnsure pharmacy and drug store access control and maintain safety of the IMP and other study drugs;
• Oversee IMP management including the documentation of reception and storage;
• Ensure drug dispensing and inventory logs are maintained to assure adequate supplies and accountability;
• Support and promote the safe and ethical use of investigational drugs ;
• Develop standard operating procedures for the IMP management as per study protocols;
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the study PIs.

Person specification

• Degree in pharmacy from Pharmacy & Poisons Board accredited institution.
• Must be registered with the Pharmacy & Poisons Board.
• Hold a valid practicing license.
• Must have previous experience working in clinical trials and knowledge of Good Clinical Practices (GCP).
• Additional qualification or training in health research related field is desirable.
• Experience working in Kwale
• At least three years’ experience working in a clinical trial or research setting or equivalent
• Experience working in community-based projects
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective written communication skills, including project reporting, including using MS Word, Power point, and MS Excel
• Works professionally and ethically with competence, accountability, and integrity
• PPS training

Terms of Employment

One (1) year renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is payable within the stated job grade