Researchers with a Master’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, public health and related fields can apply for the EACCR-KEMRI Malaria PhD Studentship in Kilifi, Kenya.
The Eastern Africa Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR), in partnership with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), has opened applications for a dedicated Malaria PhD Studentship based in Kilifi, Kenya.
The opportunity is aimed at early-career researchers seeking to build long-term careers in malaria research and contribute to efforts to strengthen malaria control and elimination across East Africa.
The successful candidate will undertake research in Kilifi, with access to molecular biology platforms, laboratory facilities and community-based field data collection networks.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
About the Malaria PhD Studentship
The EACCR and KEMRI studentship provides an opportunity for an emerging researcher to undertake malaria-focused doctoral research within an established clinical and scientific research environment.
The research will be conducted on-site in Kilifi, Kenya, with the selected candidate expected to make use of available laboratory and field research infrastructure.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to scientists interested in malaria biology, molecular research, epidemiology, public health and the development of evidence that can contribute to malaria control and elimination strategies.
The programme is seeking applicants who view malaria research as a long-term career pathway rather than simply a short-term academic project.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
- Public Health
- A related field
Candidates should also demonstrate skills and experience relevant to scientific and field-based malaria research.
Applicants with a strong research background and a clear commitment to pursuing a career dedicated to malaria research are particularly encouraged to apply.
Technical Skills Required
The successful candidate will be expected to have relevant practical research skills.
Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, RT-PCR, sequencing, cell culture and microscopy is relevant to the opportunity.
Experience in field data collection is also required as part of the broader research environment.
Candidates should be comfortable working with scientific data and should have a strong understanding of statistical methods and data analysis software.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are also expected.
PhD Registration Is an Added Advantage
Applicants who are already registered for a PhD may have an advantage.
The call states that candidates who can provide proof of current PhD registration within the first year at a recognised local or international university will be considered favourably.
Applicants in this situation should include appropriate evidence of their registration when preparing their application.
What Research Environment Can Applicants Expect?
The selected researcher will be based in Kilifi, where the opportunity provides access to scientific and field research infrastructure.
According to the official call, this includes:
- Molecular biology platforms
- Laboratory facilities
- Community field data collection networks
- Opportunities for on-site malaria research
This combination of laboratory and community-based research can provide exposure to different aspects of malaria research and help researchers develop experience relevant to careers in biomedical science, public health and infectious disease research.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants are required to submit a complete application package containing four key components.
Motivation Letter
A maximum two-page motivation letter is required.
The letter should explain the applicant’s academic background, career objectives and research interests. Candidates should clearly demonstrate their interest in malaria research and explain how the opportunity fits into their long-term career plans.
Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must provide a maximum three-page CV.
The CV should include previous employment and a list of peer-reviewed publications, where applicable.
Candidates should highlight research experience, technical skills, academic qualifications and publications that demonstrate their suitability for malaria research.
Certified Academic Documents
Applicants must submit certified academic transcripts and certificates for both their BSc and MSc degrees.
Candidates should ensure these documents are properly certified before submitting their application.
Two Reference Letters
Two professional reference letters are required.
One should be an academic reference, while the second can be a professional or social reference.
The letters must include official institutional contact details for the referees.
Is This a Fully Funded PhD?
The official announcement describes the opportunity as a Malaria PhD Studentship, but the published call does not provide details of a specific stipend amount or explicitly list all costs covered by the studentship.
Applicants should therefore not assume that tuition, accommodation, travel and living expenses are automatically covered.
Prospective applicants should confirm the complete financial package and terms directly with EACCR before making financial commitments.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare the required documents and submit their application through the official EACCR application portal.
Applicants should ensure that their motivation letter and CV remain within the specified page limits and that all academic documents and reference letters are included.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE TO APPLY
Candidates should use the official portal for the latest application instructions and verify any updates before submission.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the EACCR and KEMRI Malaria PhD Studentship is Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Because the deadline is approaching, eligible researchers are encouraged to begin preparing their application documents and contacting referees as soon as possible.
Why This Opportunity Could Be Important for Early-Career Researchers
Malaria remains a major public health challenge across Africa, creating an ongoing need for researchers with strong laboratory, epidemiological and field research capabilities.
This studentship provides an opportunity for an emerging scientist to undertake research within an established East African clinical research environment while developing specialised expertise in malaria research.
For candidates planning careers in infectious diseases, biomedical research, public health or malaria elimination, the opportunity could provide valuable doctoral-level research experience.
