Healthcare and MedicalContractorEntry-level(0-1 yr)
Job Description
Role Overview
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is seeking a Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) based in Busia. The role involves designing and implementing qualitative and mixed-methods research activities in accordance with study protocols, conducting community consultations, analyzing social/behavioural data, and contributing to scientific publications and policy dissemination.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research activities in accordance with the study protocol.
Develop social and behavioural research tools, including interview guides, questionnaires, focus group discussion guides, and observation checklists.
Conduct qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and community consultations with study participants and stakeholders.
Lead social and behavioural assessments to identify barriers and facilitators to vaccine acceptance, trial participation, and participant retention.
Monitor participant experiences and identify social, cultural, ethical, and behavioural issues that may affect study implementation.
Ensure ethical conduct of social science research, including obtaining informed consent and maintaining participant confidentiality.
Collect, manage, analyse, and interpret qualitative and mixed-methods data using appropriate analytical software.
Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, scientific manuscripts, and presentations based on study findings.
Contribute to dissemination of study findings through stakeholder meetings, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
Mentor junior research staff and field teams involved in qualitative and community engagement activities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Community Development, Public Health, or a related field from a recognized institution (Mandatory).
Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Community Development, Public Health, or a related field from a recognized institution (Mandatory).
Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Human Subjects Protection (HSP) is highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research (Mandatory).
Experience in vaccine research, infectious diseases, HIV programs, or neglected tropical diseases is an added advantage.
Experience in community engagement, participant recruitment, and stakeholder management (Mandatory).
Proficiency in computer applications and qualitative data analysis procedures (Mandatory).
Proficiency with qualitative data analysis software such as NVIVO (Mandatory).
