Research Assistant, Brian and Mind Institute, EA at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Purpose/Summary 

The Research Assistant at the BMI plays a vital role in supporting research endeavors under the guidance of Research Associates, Research Managers, and Principal Investigators. Their responsibility primarily revolves around assisting with participant recruitment, administering interviews and tests, and managing data collected during research activities. Additionally, they collaborate closely with the Research Associate/Manager to ensure the smooth execution of research projects, including coordinating with research partners and stakeholders, maintaining research instrumentation, and providing technical support as needed. The role may also involve assisting in the dissemination of project results through various channels, such as policy briefs, white papers, reports, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Participant Recruitment and Site Setup: Actively engage in participant recruitment using targeted strategies, assist with setting up research sites, including logistical and infrastructure preparations, and maintain accurate records of recruitment and site setup activities.
• Data Collection: Administer interviews, surveys, or other tools as directed by the study PI, ensure adherence to research protocols and ethical guidelines, and organize collected data systematically and securely.
• Technical Support and Collaboration: Provide technical support to researchers, collaborate with Research Associates, Managers, and PIs to facilitate project implementation, and assist in maintaining research equipment.
• Research Dissemination: Support the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, and presentations for conferences, and contribute to publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Compliance and Ethics: Ensure compliance with ethical research standards, maintain participant confidentiality, and adhere to institutional and regulatory protocols.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Public Health, Anthropology, Sociology, Data Science, or IT.
• Additional certifications or coursework in research methods, data analysis, or project design are advantageous.
• At least 1 year of experience in research data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Experience in academic or research settings is preferred.
• Familiarity with participant recruitment, data collection, and research ethics.
• Familiarity in data entry and analysis software such as SPSS, Excel, or REDCap.
• Experience co-designing project interventions with communities is an added advantage.