KAVI–Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), a leading biomedical research centre within the University of Nairobi, is expanding its portfolio in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with growing emphasis on molecular platforms, clinical trials, genomics, biobanking and diagnostics/AI-assisted approaches. To support this evolving platform, KAVI-ICR invites applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow in NCD’s, with options spanning Molecular Oncology, Genomics and other NCD research areas.

The Position:

The Fellow will contribute to multiple NCD projects, with emphasis on cancer, by designing and implementing molecular assays, supporting diagnostic and biomarker pipelines, and helping to develop and run biobanking systems for high-quality clinical and research samples. The role also involves analysing molecular, genomic and clinical datasets, and contributing to initiatives that incorporate AI-assisted and digital diagnostics into research workflows and emerging clinical pathways at KAVI-ICR.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide research leadership in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and oncology.
• Draft, co-author, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for scientific conferences and professional forums.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and donor-funded project reports.
• Support the development and submission of competitive research grant applications in NCDs and oncology.
• Lead and support translational and diagnostic research initiatives that bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical and diagnostic practice.
• Build research capacity through mentoring and supervision of students and junior staff.
• Facilitate the integration of research findings into real-world clinical and diagnostic care settings.

Job Specifications:

• Applicants must hold a PhD in any of the following fields; Medical Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Pathology, Genomics, Immunology or a closely related field
• Must have post-PhD (or equivalent) experience in at least one of: molecular oncology or haematological malignancies; genomics/NGS-based diagnostics; or molecular/cellular NCD research.
• Must have a track record of peer-reviewed publications as first author.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong hands-on molecular and cellular skills.

Terms of Appointment:

This is a one-year full time contract based on performance and by mutual consent.

• Provide research leadership in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and oncology.
• Draft, co-author, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for scientific conferences and professional forums.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and donor-funded project reports.
• Support the development and submission of competitive research grant applications in NCDs and oncology.
• Lead and support translational and diagnostic research initiatives that bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical and diagnostic practice.
• Build research capacity through mentoring and supervision of students and junior staff.
• Facilitate the integration of research findings into real-world clinical and diagnostic care settings.

• Strong hands-on molecular and cellular skills.

• PhD in Medical Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Pathology, Genomics, Immunology or a closely related field.
• Post-PhD (or equivalent) experience in at least one of: molecular oncology or haematological malignancies; genomics/NGS-based diagnostics; or molecular/cellular NCD research.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications as first author.