KEMRI JOB VACANCY |Principal Clinical Research Scientist

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is conducting an implementation research study to identify the optimal delivery strategy of antimalarial drugs for post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) in children admitted to hospitals with severe anemia in western Kenya. The project is part of the larger international PDMC Saves Lives consortium involving four countries in Africa and international partners in the UK and France.

Position: Principal Clinical Research Scientist (1 position)

Location: CGHR-Kisumu with fieldwork in western Kenya

Reporting to:  Head of the Malaria Division, CGHR

Job Summary:

The Principal Clinical Research Scientist will be based at the Malaria Division of KEMRI's Center for Global Health Research in Kisumu, western Kenya. The officer will lead the research project and work closely with public health scientists, epidemiologists, social scientists, and health economists from the consortium. They will be the country's Principal Investigator (PI), responsible for overseeing all stages of the development of implementation research in western Kenya, including sustained stakeholder engagement, conducting formative and pilot research phases, and the implementation trial.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Identify research gaps and develop research proposals

- Implement pre-clinical and clinical research projects

- Source grants to fund approved research protocols

- Manage and coordinate pre-clinical and clinical research groups

- Mentor junior scientists in research idea formulation, proposal writing, and grant sourcing

- Monitor and evaluate research project implementation

- Organize scientific dissemination forums

- Supervise junior professional and technical staff

- Write manuscripts, reports, and translate research findings for evidence-based policy formulation

Minimum Requirements:

- At least ten years of relevant work experience, with four years in a management position

- Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Veterinary, Pharmacy, or equivalent qualifications

- Master's degree in Clinical Medicine/Surgery/Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, or a relevant social science

- Doctorate degree in Biomedical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Sciences, Public Health, or an equivalent discipline

- Developed at least sixteen proposals, with eight of them funded

- Published at least eight articles in refereed journals, with at least four as the first or lead author

- At least 5 years of experience in field-based research of malaria or other childhood diseases in Kenya or sub-Saharan Africa

- Proficiency in computer applications

Key Skills and Competencies:

- Strategic thinking

- Proposal writing skills

- Analytical skills

- Creativity and innovativeness

- Critical thinking skills

- Research fundraising skills

- Communication and reporting skills

- Interpersonal and negotiation skills

- Team player

Terms of Employment:

This is a three-year contract, renewable subject to the availability of funds, with a probation period for the first three months. Salary is negotiable within the KEMRI scheme of service depending on education, experience, and demonstrated competency.

How to Apply:

- Ensure you meet all the selection criteria.

- Include your current Curriculum Vitae with a telephone number and email address.

- Provide three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers.

- Include copies of academic and professional certificates.

All applications should be addressed to the Deputy Director, CGHR, P.O. Box 1578-40100 Kisumu and submitted through the KEMRI Website at www.kemri.go.ke/e-recruitment on or before November 2, 2023, by 5:00 p.m.