Parasitologist
Research scientist studying parasites — their biology, transmission, host interactions and control. In Kenya — where malaria, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis and other parasitic diseases are endemic — parasitologists at KEMRI and partner institutions conduct critical research.
- AI exposure
- 33 of 100, low exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 25%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- No
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Time to senior
- 12 years
A day in the role
Examines blood smears for malaria parasites — identifying species and parasitaemia. Cultures malaria parasites in the laboratory for drug sensitivity testing. Conducts field research on schistosomiasis in an endemic area. Tests a new diagnostic for visceral leishmaniasis. Analyses parasite genome data for drug resistance markers. Supervises a graduate student's parasitology project. Prepares a research paper on malaria drug resistance.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 45,000-90,000
- Mid
- KES 110,000-250,000
- Senior
- KES 280,000-650,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 32% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
Named task by task
Already automated
- AI-powered parasite identification from microscopy images
- Automated parasite distribution modelling from epidemiological data
- AI-assisted drug target prediction for parasitic diseases
- Generating parasite genomics databases
Still human
- Conducting parasitology research — studying parasite biology, life cycles, host-parasite interactions, transmission
- Studying malaria parasites — Plasmodium falciparum biology, drug resistance, vaccine targets
- Studying neglected tropical diseases — schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, filariasis
- Conducting field research — collecting samples from endemic areas, surveillance, epidemiology
- Developing diagnostics — improving tests for parasitic infections (microscopy, molecular, rapid tests)
- Studying parasite genomics — genetic diversity, drug resistance markers, population genetics
- Evaluating control interventions — insecticide-treated nets, drugs, vaccines, vector control
- Publishing research — writing scientific papers on parasitology, presenting at conferences
Task counts
- Displacing
- Minimal — parasitology requires laboratory work, field research and clinical correlation.
- Augmenting
- AI parasite identification and drug target prediction accelerate research.
Sources
Behind the rating- KEMRI parasitology research
- Kenya malaria control data
- Kenya NTD programme data
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
BSc Biomedical/Microbiology + MSc/PhD Parasitology
10-14 yearsVery high cost
BSc Biomedical Science, Microbiology or Zoology plus MSc and PhD in Parasitology
Who hires
- KEMRI
- ICIPE
- ILRI
- Universities (UoN, JKUAT, Kenyatta)
Common misconceptions
Parasitologists just study worms
Parasitology encompasses protozoa (malaria, leishmaniasis), helminths (schistosomiasis, filariasis), arthropods (ticks, mites), and ectoparasites — a broad biomedical science discipline critical for tropical health.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Growth outlook
- Net demand change
- +12%
- Over
- 2026-2028
- Drivers
- Malaria elimination efforts,NTD control programmes,Drug resistance monitoring,Climate change affecting parasite distributions
- Headwinds
- Limited research funding,Brain drain,Donor dependency
What to learn
- AI-powered parasite identification from microscopy
- Parasite genomics and bioinformatics
- Drug discovery platforms for parasitic diseases
- Digital epidemiology and surveillance systems
Kenyan market notes
Parasitology is a critical research discipline in Kenya due to the high burden of parasitic diseases. Key context: Kenya has endemic parasitic diseases — malaria (approximately 10-15 million cases annually, 70% of population at risk, ~30,000 deaths annually — mostly children under 5), schistosomiasis (bilharzia — endemic in Lake Victoria region and coastal areas, millions infected), leishmaniasis (kala-azar — endemic in northern Kenya, fatal if untreated), trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness — endemic in western Kenya near Lake Victoria), soil-transmitted helminths (intestinal worms — widespread), and filariasis (elephantiasis — coastal and western Kenya). Key institutions: KEMRI (medical parasitology — malaria, NTDs), ICIPE (vector-parasite interactions), ILRI (livestock parasites — trypanosomiasis, tick-borne diseases), universities (UoN, JKUAT, Kenyatta — parasitology departments). Key research areas: malaria (drug resistance — artemisinin resistance monitoring, vaccine development, parasite genomics), NTDs (diagnostics, treatment, control programmes), parasite genomics, drug discovery, and epidemiology. Key challenges: limited research funding (international grant-dependent), drug resistance (malaria drug resistance is a constant challenge), and brain drain. Salary: entry KES 45,000-90,000 (research assistant), mid KES 110,000-250,000 (research scientist), senior KES 280,000-650,000+ (principal investigator). International-funded positions pay more.
Further reading
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