Biotechnologists

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is actively recruiting qualified professionals for Biotechnologist jobs in Kenya under a World Bank–funded health systems strengthening initiative. This PPB Biotechnologist vacancy offers a full-time contract opportunity for skilled biotechnology and life sciences professionals to support regulatory oversight, laboratory testing, and quality control of biological and pharmaceutical products in Kenya.

These biotechnology regulatory jobs are based in Nairobi and PPB Regional Offices and are designed for candidates seeking impactful health regulatory authority jobs within Kenya’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority.

Key Job Information

• Position: Biotechnologist
• Organization: Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)
• Number of Positions: Five (5)
• Job Grade: PPB 6
• Employment Type: Full-time, Contract
• Contract Duration: Eighteen (18) Months
• Location: Nairobi and Regional Offices, Kenya
• Industry: Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Regulation, Public Health

Salary and Compensation

• Basic Salary: Ksh. 63,547.00
• House Allowance: Ksh. 35,000.00
• Commuter Allowance: Ksh. 8,000.00
• Gross Monthly Pay: Ksh. 106,547.00

About the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is Kenya’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority, established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Chapter 244 of the Laws of Kenya. PPB regulates the practice of pharmacy and oversees the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, and trade of medical products and health technologies.

PPB is implementing the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project for Eastern and Southern Africa, with financial support from the World Bank. This initiative aims to strengthen regulatory systems and enable PPB to achieve WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Maturity Level Three (ML3). These roles directly support WHO GBT regulatory roles and long-term regulatory excellence.

Biotechnologist – Role Overview

The Biotechnologist position supports PPB’s mandate by conducting day-to-day laboratory testing jobs in Kenya focused on regulatory quality control, lot release, and post-market surveillance. The role ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of biological products and other pharmaceutical products available in the Kenyan market.

This role is ideal for professionals seeking pharmaceutical quality control jobs and careers in biological products regulation within a national and internationally aligned regulatory framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and interpret regulatory policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures for laboratory testing and lot release of registered biological products.
• Perform routine laboratory testing and basic analytical procedures according to approved specifications and work instructions.
• Handle, label, store, and dispose of hazardous reagents and chemicals in compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
• Apply laboratory safety standards, identify unsafe conditions, and initiate corrective or preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for laboratory raw materials, reagents, equipment, and consumables.
• Coordinate receipt, logging, and testing of biological and pharmaceutical samples.
• Conduct sampling of medicines during post-market surveillance and investigative sampling activities.
• Participate in out-of-specification investigations, failure investigations, and corrective action processes.
• Maintain chemical traceability, equipment calibration records, and laboratory environmental monitoring logs.
• Document laboratory data, test results, and reports in accordance with established quality management systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• Eligibility for or membership with a relevant professional body and in good standing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications and laboratory information systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality systems, pharmaceutical testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Experience working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or regulatory laboratories.
• Familiarity with WHO guidelines, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and quality management systems.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary regulatory teams.
• Interest in long-term careers within Pharmacy and Poisons Board careers and public health regulation.

Why Join PPB

• Hands-on involvement in World Bank funded health projects.
• Contribution to national and regional health security and medicines safety.
• Professional growth within a WHO-aligned regulatory authority.
• Exposure to advanced regulatory science, laboratory systems, and public health impact.

How to Apply for This Biotechnologist Position

Interested candidates should apply using the official PPB online recruitment system. Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below.

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• KRA PIN certificate
• NCPWD certificate (where applicable)
• Passport-size photograph

Applications must be submitted via https://hr.pharmacyboardkenya.org. All documents should be uploaded in PDF format and clearly named. Once submitted, applications cannot be amended.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, marginalized, and minority groups. PPB does not charge any recruitment fees, and canvassing will result in disqualification.