Research Specialist, Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Summary

• This position is required to contribute to design and implementation of existing and new research studies of the PRECISE (Pregnancy Care Integrating Translational science everywhere) network at the Kenya site. This includes the PRECISE and PRECISE-Dyad studies and their sub-studies. The role also covers related studies implemented via the same research team.
• The successful candidate will coordinate and supervise members of the research team including: Fieldworkers/Enumerators, Research Nurses Clinicians and Laboratory Technicians/Technologists in the conduct of research activities which will include participant recruitment, data collection, sample collection and follow up. S/he will be involved in training other study staff, creating, and managing work schedules and ensuring appropriate completion of assigned roles by other study staff. He/she will also be responsible for managing study documentation, study budgets, supplies, inventory, and transport. S/he will also represent the study to other partners and stakeholders. 
• The Research Specialist will also play a key role in the planning and implementation of research studies. These roles will include study design, protocol development, ethical and government approval processes, data collection, analysis and reporting. S/he will contribute to existing research studies as well as lead new sub-studies. 
• Expected research contributions will primarily be in the area of qualitative research methods. S/he will be expected to design new qualitative research sub-studies, design new data collection tools, train and oversee qualitative data collection, analyse and write-up outputs of the qualitative research. 
• The Research Specialist will report to the Principal Investigator (P.I) or delegate and will assist the P.I to carry out various aspects of conducting the studies. He/she will also work closely with the team within Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health and the University, central PRECISE-dyad team and other partners in PRECISE Network countries in Africa. 
• This position is based at field sites in Kilifi county (Mariakani and Rabai). The role may include some local travel between sites and to the community.

Responsibilities

• Study Coordination and Implementation:
• Oversee the coordination and execution of PRECISE-Dyad and other related research project activities by ensure timely initiation of planned activities and monitor progress throughout the project lifecycle;
• Oversee participant recruitment efforts, ensuring adherence to recruitment strategies outlined in the study protocol;
• Prepare and maintain study documentation, including study protocols, consent forms and regulatory submissions;
• Ensure compliance with research ethics and regulatory requirements, including obtaining necessary approvals and reporting adverse events; and
• Develop and maintain study Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) - Create and update comprehensive SOPs for study staff to ensure consistent and standardized conduct of study activities.
• Supervision of research assistants and other direct reports – ensuring adherence to study protocols;
• Data Collection and Data Quality Assurance;
• Assist the PI in project Financial Management by planning and costing for activities and reporting on expenses; and
• Direct research roles - contribute to the design and implementation of research studies, analysis of data and preparation of reports, manuscripts and oral presentations.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree level in any of the following or closely related fields: Medical Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Community Health, and related disciplines;
• Advanced training in qualitative research methods including but not limited to study design, qualitative data collection, interpretation and analysis; and reporting will be an added advantage; Experience and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data collection, collation and analysis;
• Proven experience in study coordination and qualitative research methodologies. At least 2 years’ experience in study coordination is essential;
• Strong knowledge of qualitative data collection and analysis techniques;
• Proficiency in using qualitative data management software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti);
• Familiarity with research ethics guidelines and regulatory requirements;
• Relevant experience in large multi-country projects will be an added advantage;
• Relevant experience in a health research environment including community and public health facility settings will be an added advantage;
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and motivate field teams; and
• Demonstrated ability to write-up qualitative research findings into manuscripts.