PhD Studentship, IHD at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Summary

• The AKILI project is a multi-site case-control study involving children and adolescents with ADHD. It entails collection of cognitive and behavioral characteristics of the participants using a vast array of tools. The study also collects saliva samples from which genetic analysis will be done. 
• We are looking for highly motivated individual who is willing and able to work full-time on their PhD.  The PhD studentship will be hosted at the Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, with cross-supervision across departments.  The training will offer the incumbent an opportunity to carry out their PhD thesis in The Genetic Characterization of ADHD in Kenyan and South African populations (AKILI). 
• The successful candidate will work with their supervisors to refine the topic areas and develop a full proposal within the first 3 months.  The studentship will provide a monthly stipend, tuition fees, conference attendance costs, and any other opportunities for capacity building as agreed upon with the supervisors.

Responsibilities
Preliminary work

• Conduct literature review.
• Develop PhD concept note.
• Develop a training and supervision plan.
• Contribute to the study’s protocol development.

Project coordination and implementation

• Coordinate the planning and implementation of the project’s community engagement activities.
• Contribute to the implementation of the specific research projects they will be attached. This includes but is not limited to:
• Mobilization, recruitment and consenting of study participants.
• Ensure readiness of data collection tools.
• Recruitment and training field enumerators.
• Support with planning and supervising data collection activities.
• Ensure adherence to ethical procedures
• Managing project payments and maintaining accurate records in compliance with departmental policies and procedures

Data Management

• Support with data management and analysis.
• Ensure proper documentation of all procedures and overall research process in coordination with data manager.
• Ensure proper storage of all records and data.
• Ensure appropriate back-up of data is in place. 
• Data analysis for qualitative and quantitative data

Capacity building activities

• Participate in specialized training programs, workshops, and seminars to develop advanced research skills.
• Gain experience in teaching, mentoring, and supervising junior students/researchers (e.g leading tutorials, facilitating courses, and supervising undergraduate research projects.
• Attend conferences, seminars, and other academic events to present research findings.

Communication/Dissemination

• Work closely with PhD supervisors to ensure there is frequent communication through the appropriate channels.
• Support with planning and implementation of dissemination activities.
• Manuscripts write up in peer-reviewed journals.
• Support the scientific communication of research findings through mainstream journals, policy briefs, reports and conference presentation, media appearances and engagement of different stakeholders.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in psychology, neurosciences, global mental health, statistics, public health, nursing, education, or any other allied field.  
• Strong statistical background.  
• Working knowledge of quantitative statistical software
• Strong written and oral communication skills that can be demonstrated through published peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations and community engagement.

Relevant Experience.

• Strong scientific writing skills. 
• Background in and experience in any areas of human development with a focus on children and adolescents. 
• Working knowledge of quantitative data analysis using statistical software.

Personal Characteristics 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills and a meticulous approach to documentation.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel extensively both locally and internationally for data collection, dissemination, and doctoral studies.