Programmes
Mid-Career Postdoctorals
Early postdocs are generally employed within a year or two of finishing their PhD training on funding from more senior researchers. Towards the end of their training, some of the postdocs may consider applying for independent funding. Such postdocs will supported and mentored to help them develop competitive grant proposals that will enable them to progress up the ladder toward becoming senior or principal research fellows. Mid, Senior and Principal research fellows are general researchers who hold progressively larger grants and run progressively larger research programmes and groups. Progression to this position is, therefore, largely determined by a researcher’s scientific output and ability to win research grants.
Doctor of Philosophy - PHD
At the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Programme, we are keen to build capacity for research in East Africa. We are aware that good PhD training is the foundation for a successful research career. As such, our PhD scheme is aimed at providing students with an opportunity to carry out their training in a high-quality research environment. We have developed a quality-assured supervision system that includes a supervision team of two or three senior researchers and a student advisory committee that monitors the student’s progress and advises on academic, career, and, if necessary, social issues that may affect the student’s progress. In addition, the student’s progress is monitored through six monthly reports and an upgrading mini viva at the end of the first year to determine their suitability to continue with the PhD training. Our supervision system is internationally recognised, and we are now an Affiliated Research Centre of the Open University of the UK with the authority to supervise students registered with that University wholly. More information on the application process is available here.
Masters
Masters’ training is the first stage of specialisation in research training. As such it provides a foundation for further research training and for increased intellectual engagement in a focused research area. In line with our goal of building local research capacity by feeding the research career pipeline at all levels, The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme has developed a Masters’ studentship scheme to support talented Masters’ students registered at local universities to complete the research project component of their training. The studentships, which are funded through the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL), provide the students with a stipend and an opportunity to spend up to eight months at our Kilifi or Nairobi facilities doing their research projects in a highly productive research environment. Research costs for the project are catered for under the supervisor’s research funding. To apply, visit the recruitment page.
Post Graduate Diploma (PGD)
Undergraduate Attachments
Every year, we offer attachments to students in their 3rd or 4th years as part of their University training. This opportunity gives the students a rare chance to interact with world-class infrastructure, researchers and scientists, as well as get quality supervision and career guidance.
To apply, visit the recruitment page.
School leavers’ attachment
The school leavers’ attachment scheme offers an excellent opportunity for Kilifi’s very talented students to get a taste of research and learn about a wide range of careers in KWTRP. 9-12 Kilifi’s brightest students are offered a 3 months attachment to learn and experience the different types of careers associated with research. During the three months of attachment, students gain practical work experience in laboratories, hospital wards, computer departments, and community interaction. This hands-on experience gives students a head start over most other university first-years when they join their University.
Applications for this open at the beginning of every year after the release of the KCSE results.
Other Capacity Strengthening Activities
PUBReC is the result of a long-term collaboration between Pwani University and KEMRI – Wellcome Trust, one of the leading research centres in Kenya and the region. The two institutions share a common interest in research and capacity building. This, along with close geographic proximity, maps out the two institutions as natural partners. Over the last 6 years, a strong partnership has developed, particularly in the areas of health and biosciences research and teaching. An MoU governs the relationship to ensure it is mutually beneficial.
PUBReC was initially conceived in 2013 as a virtual platform for managing, consolidating, and expanding bioscience research activities. It plans to eventually develop a high-quality research infrastructure that will form its core. The construction and equipping of a state-of-the-art molecular lab commenced in 2016 with funding from the Wellcome Trust and Pwani University. It was managed by a steering committee consisting of representatives from the University and KEMRI – Wellcome Trust. The lab currently supports the research activities of 12 researchers, including Postdocs and Masters Students.
- Vision
To be a Global Leader in bioscience research.
- Mission
To apply Bioscience Research for improved livelihoods.