PhD Fellowship - KEMRI, Kenya and Oslo, Norway

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established as a National body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya. This PhD fellowship is a collaborative initiative between KEMRI and the University of Oslo (UiO), Norway, under the PANFUND project. The role involves conducting ethnographic and qualitative research within the field of global health governance and international development policy. The successful candidate will be expected to complete their coursework and submit a doctoral thesis within a three-year period.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct ethnographic, qualitative, and/or policy research aligned with project objectives.
• Participate in project meetings, seminars, and workshops at both KEMRI and the University of Oslo.
• Present research findings at national, regional, and international academic and policy forums.
• Contribute to project reports and various dissemination outputs, including policy briefs, blog posts, and podcasts.
• Engage in public engagement activities related to the research.
• Work closely with the respective Principal Investigators (PIs) and an interdisciplinary research team.
• Complete doctoral coursework and submit a thesis within three years.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree (equivalent to a Norwegian Master’s degree, minimum grade B or equivalent) in Social Sciences or Humanities (e.g., Medical/Social Anthropology, Development Studies, or related disciplines).
• Eligibility: Must be eligible for admission to the PhD Programme at the University of Oslo.
• Methodology: Documented experience with qualitative research methodologies.
• Languages: Excellent written and oral proficiency in both English and Kiswahili.
• Research Experience: Proven independent research experience within the East African region.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and preferably NVivo or other qualitative data analysis software.
• Specialized Interest: Demonstrated interest in global health governance and international development policy.
• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to complete writing projects within set deadlines and strong motivation for doctoral research.
• Advantageous: Evidence of peer-reviewed publication(s) and a commitment to academic and research standards.

Required Application Documents

1. Cover Letter: (Max 1 page) outlining motivation, research interests, and relevant experience.
2. Curriculum Vitae: (Max 2 pages) including education, positions, and publications. (Note: CVs exceeding 2 pages will not be considered).
3. Project Description: (Max 5 pages) including research objectives, conceptual and methodological approach, ethical considerations, expected outputs, timeline, and references. The proposal must specify how it contributes to PANFUND’s goal.
4. Certificates: Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
5. Writing Sample: Excerpt of Master’s thesis, academic publication, or other academic work.
6. Language Proof: Documentation of English and Kiswahili proficiency.
7. Referees: Contact details of two academic referees.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the KEMRI e-recruitment portal at https://erecruitment.kemri.go.ke. Use the application link provided: Apply Here. Ensure all mandatory documents listed above are included in your submission.