PhD Fellow, Epidemiology & Population Health at Aga Khan University Hospital

Role Summary

The Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK) is a flagship population-based cohort platform designed to generate high-quality evidence on ageing, health transitions, and the social and environmental determinants of later-life wellbeing in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. LOSHAK integrates large-scale household surveys, environmental and geospatial data, biomarker information, and contextual social and climate-related exposures, and is embedded within regional and global networks on ageing, climate, and health.

• The PhD Studentship is for candidates already enrolled in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, Public Health, or a closely related discipline, who are at or near completion of coursework and ready to enter the research phase of their doctorate.
• This studentship is ideal for a highly motivated early-career researcher seeking to undertake a doctoral project focused on survey research, ageing, and cognitive epidemiology in LMICs, using LOSHAK as the primary research platform. 
•  The PhD Student will design and implement an independent doctoral research project embedded within LOSHAK, contributing to:
• Population-based survey research on ageing and health.
• Measurement and analysis of cognitive function and cognitive ageing.
• Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and functional decline in older adults.
• Methodological innovation in ageing research in LMIC settings.
• The role combines rigorous academic research with hands-on engagement in large-scale field and data systems.

Key Responsibilities

Doctoral research design

• Develop a doctoral protocol aligned with LOSHAK priorities; refine research questions and analytical framework; secure ethics and regulatory approvals

Survey & field research

• Design, pilot, and implement survey modules or sub-studies on ageing and cognition; participate in LOSHAK field operations and QA processes

Data management & analysis

• Curate, clean, and analyze longitudinal survey and cognitive data; apply appropriate epidemiological and statistical methods

Scholarly outputs

• Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; present findings at academic fora 

Platform & team engagement

• Contribute to LOSHAK platform activities; engage with multidisciplinary teams; support junior researchers where appropriate

Professional development

• Build skills in ageing research, cognitive measurement, and longitudinal methods; engage in relevant training

Required Qualifications

• Registered in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, Public Health, Biostatistics, Demography, or related field
• Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase
• Strong grounding in epidemiological methods and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python)
• Demonstrated interest in ageing, cognitive health, or life-course epidemiology.
• Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills.

Relevant Experience

• Prior experience in population-based survey research.
• Familiarity with LMIC field research environments.
• Experience with longitudinal data analysis.
• Interest in cognitive testing, mental health, or functional ageing.

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Demonstrates high scientific integrity and attention to detail. 
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. 
• Strong communication skills and collaboration.
• Culturally sensitive and adaptable in diverse environments. 
• Commitment to learning and Professional Development.