Opportunities at KEMRI

Early Post-Doctoral Mathematics Modeller KEMRI – Wellcome Research
Programme
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a state corporation established through the
Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, as the national body responsible for carrying
out health research in Kenya. KEMRl’s vision is “to be a leading centre of excellence in research
for human health,” and its mission is “to improve human health and quality of life through
research, capacity building, innovation, and service delivery.” www.kemri.go.ke
The KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP) is a partnership between KEMRI,
Wellcome, and the University of Oxford. The Programme established in 1989, has evolved from
conducting research in the immunology and epidemiology of malaria to a world class research
institute conducting multi-disciplinary research that spans molecular biology to health systems
and policy research. The Program works across 3 main hubs in Kenya (Nairobi and Kilifi) based
at the KEMRI Centre for Geographical Medicine Research- Coast Kilifi and Uganda (Mbale) with
an international network of collaborating sites.

The KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP) seeks to invite applications from
experienced person to fill the following position;

Early Post-Doctoral Mathematics Modeller 

JOB PURPOSE:
The research group aims to foster an Africa-led transformation of the public health approach to
controlling high burden respiratory pathogens and AMR through multimodal interdisciplinary
interventions. Collaborators include University of Navrongo in Ghana, NIMR & NCDC in
Nigeria, Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, University College London and
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Under the first work package investigators at KEMRI-Wellcome and NIMR in Nigeria are
identifying candidate multimodal (vaccine and non-vaccine) interventions to control respiratory
pathogens and AMR. A process of policy engagement will guide and refine the shortlist of
interventions. The early post-doctoral mathematics modeller will then adapt existing
mathematical models to predict the potential impact of these interventions on AMR burden in
Kenya and Nigeria, and present this to policy makers for discussion. The work will take place at
the KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme, Kilifi. The role of the early post-doctoral
mathematics modeller will be to develop and refine the models and report the results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop mathematical models to characterise the relationship between interventions and
   AMR burden and fit these to datasets from Kenya, and possibly Nigeria
2. Adapt these models to explore the relative impact of different aspects of the multimodal
   interventions
3. Collaborate closely with other scientists working on the research group in Kenya, UK, Malawi, Nigeria.
4.  Present model outputs at scientific and policy meetings in the countries of interest.
5.  Develop novel ideas and grant applications in the related areas for further funding
   proposals
6.  Support the academic life of the ED department and the programme through
   participation in seminars, journal clubs and mentorship of junior scientists
7.  Work with other modellers at the KWRP to develop capacity in and appreciation of the
   specialty of mathematical modelling in infectious diseases and its application to economic
   evaluation and policy.
8.  Develop a personal research portfolio that will form the basis for a credible application
   for grant funding or personal research funding within the lifetime of the position
9. By capitalising on other Programme resources (e.g. support for Masters and PhD student
   training) and by developing personal grants, the post holder may have an opportunity
   to develop a nascent research group on the path to an independent researcher

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful applicant will have:

1.  PhD in Mathematical Modeling, Epidemiology, Population Health, Infectious Disease Dynamics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline. Preferably with a focus on infectious disease modeling, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), or health economics.
2. Minimum Ten (10) years overall experience Five (5) years of which were at Managerial level
3.  Strong quantitative and analytical skills. Proficiency in differential equations, stochastic processes, or agent-based modeling relevant to infectious disease transmission and intervention impact assessment.
4. Demonstrated experience in developing and analyzing compartmental models (e.g., SIS, SIR), agent-based models, or network models for infectious disease dynamics. Familiarity with multi-modal intervention analysis is a plus.
5.  Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in epidemiological modeling, prefarably R and/or C++
6. Experience in integrating heterogeneous data sources (e.g., surveillance data, clinical data, serological surveys) into mathematical models.
7. Knowledge of parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification techniques in transmission models.

DESIRABLE

1.  Prior research experience related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dynamics or intervention strategies (e.g., vaccination, antibiotic stewardship, infection control measures).
2.  Understanding of resistance mechanisms and fitness costs in bacterial populations.
3.  Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, especially with epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health policymakers.
4. Ability to translate complex model outputs into policy-relevant insights.
5. Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
6.  Experience in science communication, particularly in presenting modelling results to nontechnical stakeholders (e.g., policymakers)

COMPETENCIES:

•  Good analytical ability, planning and organizational skills
•  Attentive to detail with the capacity to work with/follow laid down processes and procedures
•  Ability to work independently/with minimum supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules
•  Confidentiality and Integrity
•  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
All applications for roles in KEMRI and its partners (including KWRP) are centrally applied for
using www.kemri.go.ke, E-recruitment portal. To apply for this post, you must therefore register
as a user using the link below. Log into your account, then proceed to the vacancies, view the
post and click on the button: “Apply for this job”( www.kemri.go.ke/e-recruitment).

DEADLINE: 12TH AUGUST 2025

CLICK HERE TO APPLY