Postdoctoral Research Fellow – One Health & Infectious Diseases

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is offering a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowship under its One Health, Ecology, and Research Training (OHEART) programme. This fellowship is designed to nurture the next generation of independent scientists working at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health in Africa and beyond. Fellows will be embedded within a world-class research environment, supported by experienced co-mentoring principal investigators, and connected to a network of NIH-funded and foundation-funded global health projects.

This is a full-time, structured fellowship based in Nairobi, Kenya, targeting early-career researchers who have completed their PhD within the last five years and are ready to launch an independent scientific career. The programme emphasises South-South research collaboration, competitive grant development, and participation in leading global health forums. Candidates must have a strong publication track record and a passion for translational, interdisciplinary research addressing Africa's most pressing infectious disease challenges.

• Develop and submit an Individual Development Plan (IDP) within the first three months, clearly outlining your professional career trajectory and milestones toward becoming an independent scientist.
• Complete three mandatory adjunct training courses: One Health Ethics, Implementation Science, and Applied Leadership Skills.
• Conduct mentored research activities aligned with OHEART's thematic priorities, including Endemic and Neglected Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Data Sciences, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.
• Actively promote South-South cooperation by engaging in high-impact cross-border research partnerships across African and global institutions.
• Establish and nurture collaborations with other NIH-funded projects and foundation-funded research initiatives.
• Represent KEMRI at global scientific platforms including ASTMH, CUGH, the World One Health Congress, and Africa CDC annual conferences and workshops.
• Familiarise yourself with the research activities of co-mentoring PIs and initiate structured mentored research from the outset of the fellowship.
• Attend monthly seminars and participate in quarterly joint progress meetings, providing regular research updates and milestone reports.
• Develop a competitive, externally fundable research grant proposal from the beginning of the fellowship period and pursue both intramural and extramural funding to establish an independent research career.

• Must hold a PhD in Clinical or Public Health Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Immunology, Public Health or One Health, Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Molecular Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a closely related field.
• Must have obtained the PhD from one of KEMRI's designated partner academic institutions.
• Must have been awarded the PhD within the past five years from the date of application.
• Must demonstrate a strong publication track record in one or more of OHEART's thematic priorities, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Must be able to frame and execute research questions aligned with One Health themes including zoonotic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and data-driven epidemiology.
• Must demonstrate the ability to write competitive scientific grant proposals and engage with international funding bodies.
• Must communicate complex scientific findings clearly in both written manuscripts and oral presentations to diverse audiences.
• Must demonstrate ability to work effectively within multi-institutional, multicultural, and interdisciplinary research teams.
• Must show readiness to independently manage research timelines, deliverables, and reporting obligations.

KEMRI postdoctoral fellowships are competitively remunerated in line with NIH-supported programme standards. Estimated monthly stipend ranges between KES 200,000 and KES 350,000 depending on the fellow's experience and the funding framework. The fellowship includes access to world-class laboratory infrastructure, co-mentorship from leading PIs, travel support for international conferences, and structured career development training. Specific remuneration details will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.

This fellowship is ideal for a driven early-career researcher who has recently completed their PhD and is eager to transition into an independent scientific career within a globally connected African research institution. You are someone who publishes rigorously, thinks across disciplinary boundaries, and is motivated by solving real-world health problems in low- and middle-income settings. You thrive in collaborative, multicultural environments and are comfortable engaging with international funders and scientific communities.

You should NOT apply if you obtained your PhD more than five years ago, if you completed your PhD outside of KEMRI's partner academic institutions, if you do not have a publication record in the relevant thematic areas, or if you are seeking a purely clinical or non-research role.

• Prepare a detailed CV including your full publication list, PhD institution, year of graduation, and a brief statement of research interests aligned with OHEART themes.
• Draft a cover letter explaining your motivation for the fellowship, your proposed research direction, and how your background fits the One Health priorities.
• Submit your application through the official KEMRI recruitment portal or the designated application channel indicated in the official job advertisement on the KEMRI website.
• Ensure all documents are submitted before the closing date of 6 July 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Do not pay any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If contacted for payment, report immediately to KEMRI HR.