Senior Principal Research Scientist, KMFRI Grade 4 (3 Posts)

Reference: KMF/EXT/ADVT/SPRS/3

A Senior Principal Research Scientist may be deployed in any of the following research areas: Oceans, Coastal Systems & Blue Economy, Freshwater Systems, Aquaculture, and Socioeconomics Directorates.

Job description

Supervise and mentor scientists, technologists, postgraduate students, and interns to strengthen talent development and research capacity;

Coordinate and oversee staff performance appraisals, training, and professional growth for improved research delivery;

Lead and coordinate implementation of strategic plans, multidisciplinary projects, and institutional priorities to achieve set outputs and outcomes;

Ensure quality assurance and compliance in fieldwork, data collection, audits, risk management, and reporting;

Review and certify research proposals, technical reports, and standards for fisheries, ecosystems, and blue economy activities;

Advise management on research, policy, and development matters while representing the Institute in taskforces, committees, and professional bodies;

Mobilize resources through proposal development, donor engagement, consultancy services, and revenue-generating initiatives;

Manage finances and procurement by preparing budgets, work plans, procurement plans, and ensuring expenditure control and donor reporting;

Monitor and evaluate research activities, performance, and compliance to improve efficiency and accountability;

Produce and disseminate technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and value-use documents for stakeholder uptake;

Network and collaborate with national, regional, and international partners to enhance innovations, joint research, and knowledge transfer;

Identify and upscale research innovations, technologies, and solutions to support the blue economy and sustainable development; and

Engage stakeholders and visitors through briefings, dissemination fora, and outreach activities to enhance visibility and impact.

Person specification

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

Cumulative service period of twelve (12) years' relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been at the grade of Principal Research Scientist (currently KMFRI Grade 5) or in a comparable position;

Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Aquatic Sciences, Marine Sciences, Oceanography, Marine Resource Management, Natural Resources Management, Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Relevant Social Sciences or any other fisheries and aquatic related courses or equivalent from a recognized institution;

Master's degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Aquatic Sciences, Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Economics, any other aquatic related courses or equivalent from a recognized institution;

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Oceanography, Aquatic Sciences, Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Relevant Social Sciences, any other aquatic related courses or equivalent from a recognized institution;

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a mean grade C+ (Plus) or its equivalent;

Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks (cumulative) / Corporate Governance course from a recognized institution;

Cumulatively published at least ten (10) peer-reviewed publications in ISI-indexed journals / book chapters, of which at least four (4) are as first author, from the latest date of promotion;

Proficiency in computer applications;

Demonstrated results in work performance; and

Fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Key competencies and skills

Strong communication and reporting skills;

Strong analytical and numerical skills;

Strong organization and interpersonal skills;

Good interpersonal and negotiation skills;

Conflict management;

Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi-task;

Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams;

Leadership skills;

Team building; and

Problem solving.

Remuneration and benefits

Basic salary scale: KShs. 148,634 – KShs. 193,225 P.M.

House allowance: KShs. 50,000 P.M.

Commuter allowance: KShs. 17,000 P.M.

Annual leave allowance: KShs. 20,000 P.A.

Medical cover and other allowances: As provided by KMFRI

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Minimum qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , KCSE , MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship

How to apply

The detailed job descriptions, person specifications and other requirements are accessible on KMFRI's official recruitment portal (https://careers.kmfri.go.ke/). Interested and qualified applicants are requested to submit their applications online through the recruitment portal. Applications should be received on or before 30 November 2026, 23:59 hrs (EAT).

Notes

Successful candidates, in compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution, will be required to present originals of the following documents:

Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations

Clearance/Compliance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority

Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)

Clearance from a recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and shall be required to produce originals of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates during the interviews.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an oral and practical interview.

Any canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

KMFRI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. Persons living with disability, women, youth and those from marginalized areas are encouraged to apply.

Interested and qualified? Go to Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) on careers.kmfri.go.ke to apply

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