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Research Assistant (2), Brain and Mind Institute

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Kenya

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) is a trans-AKU entity that seeks to build capacity in the domains of mental health and neuroscience. In collaboration with partners, the Institute is advancing research leadership capacity and support service delivery across East Africa and South Asia, and other regions served by the AKU. The Institute supports a hub for scholarship exchange and action on mental health issues, as well as educational, clinical, and community-based programs. BMI’s research focuses on the context of today’s youth in Africa and South Asia, while our programmatic offerings address mental health related and brain health issues, including stigma and resiliency. A significant area of interest is the implementation of science-based programing in hospital and community settings that translate new discoveries into prevention and treatment programs.

Job Summary
This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Working collaboratively with a team of Implementation Scientists, the Research Assistant (RA) will support several aspects of research undertakings including but not limited to data collection/curation, cleaning, analysis, and report generation. The RA will also assist with transcribing qualitative data (IDIs, KII or FG), as well support translation of research tools from English to Swahili or Swahili to English on a need basis.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to development/refining data collection tools;
  • Assist with recruiting study participants;
  • Undertake data collection (Quantitative and Qualitative) as assigned;
  • Support in validating, cleaning, transforming, and comparing quantitative and qualitative data from different sources;
  • Support in data management and storage;
  • Support data analysis;
  • Undertake transcriptions and translations;
  • Assist with drafting reports and presentations based on qualitative and quantitative research and analysis;
  • Assist in conducting literature reviews and generating manuscripts;
  • Participate in meetings and support documentation of meeting deliberations; and
  • Support other activities aligned with BMI’s programming.

Requirements

  • At least two years’ experience in data collection, preferably in a health/academic/research setting;
  • Knowledge and skills of handling and managing quantitative and qualitative data. Knowledge of Redcap or Qualtrics is desirable but not compulsory;
  • Experience analyzing quantitative and qualitative data (preferable using SPSS, QSR Nvivo, MAXDA or Atlas-I or other related statistical software);
  • Experience with research translation and transcribing is an added advantage (training will also be provided);
  • Keen ability to work independently, show initiative, and take ownership, as well as a natural problem solver with a bias to action;
  • Good at oral and written communication. Excellent inter-personal relationship with ability to work well with colleagues and full spectrum of academic staff from trainees to senior faculty members and researchers, located in different geographic zones; and
  • Confidentiality and ability to safeguard research data including audio files.

To Apply

​Application letter together with detailed Curriculum Vitae, names of three referees, should be sent to the Manager, Talent Acquisition, Aga Khan University, via the email: hr.universityke@aku.edu

Please quote the position title on the email subject.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Applications should be submitted latest by May 30, 2023