PHD Studentship, Institute for Human Development at Aga Khan University (AKU)

Job Summary

The Institute for Human Development at Aga Khan University (AKU) in partnership with colleagues from Kenya, USA and Canada was recently awarded a grant to establish a cutting-edge data science hub which will use artificial intelligence, machine learning and other emerging technologies to improve health and care delivery in local communities. The hub, UtiliZing health Information for Meaningful impact in East Africa through Data Science(UZIMA-DS) looks to leverage data science to proactively avoid adverse outcomes in maternal and newborn health and mental health.

The PhD Studentship will be hosted at the Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University. The training will offer the incumbent an opportunity to carry out their doctoral thesis on communication and public engagement in health in the context of big data.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the implementation of the UZIMA-DS hub information and dissemination project activities
• Contribute to conducting a literature review, proposal development, and strategic planning for mutually agreed projects
• Support with planning and supervising data collection activities
• Support with data management and analysis
• Support the project and project team in stakeholder/community engagement and information and communication related activities
• Support the scientific communication of research findings through mainstream journals, policy briefs, reports and conference presentation, media appearances and engagement of different stakeholders
• Complete a doctoral thesis within three and a half years

Requirements

• Master’s degree in any social or behavioral sciences, data science or statistics with an interest in communication and public engagement in health.
• Background in mixed-method research (Or expertise in either quantitative or qualitative research methodologies)
• Working knowledge of either qualitative and quantitative statistical software
• Strong written and oral communication skills than can be demonstrated through published peer review journal articles, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement
• Proven experience in implementing community-based research (Household surveys, interviews, workshops and focus group discussions)
• Willingness to travel extensively both locally and internationally for data collection, dissemination and doctoral studies