Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist) - Busia at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research activities in accordance with the study protocol.
• Develop social and behavioural research tools, including interview guides, questionnaires, focus group discussion guides, and observation checklists.
• Conduct qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and community consultations with study participants and stakeholders.
• Lead social and behavioural assessments to identify barriers and facilitators to vaccine acceptance, trial participation, and participant retention.
• Monitor participant experiences and identify social, cultural, ethical, and behavioural issues that may affect study implementation.
• Ensure ethical conduct of social science research, including obtaining informed consent and maintaining participant confidentiality.
• Collect, manage, analyse, and interpret qualitative and mixed-methods data using appropriate analytical software.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, scientific manuscripts, and presentations based on study findings.
• Contribute to dissemination of study findings through stakeholder meetings, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Mentor junior research staff and field teams involved in qualitative and community engagement activities.

Vacancy Requirements:

• Master’s degree in social sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Community Development, Public Health, or a related field from a recognized institution.    Mandatory
• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Community Development, Public Health, or a related field from a recognized institution.    Mandatory
• Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Human Subjects Protection (HSP) is highly desirable    Desirable
• Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research.    Mandatory
• Experience in vaccine research, infectious diseases, HIV programs, or neglected tropical diseases will be an added advantage.    Added Advantage
• Experience in community engagement, participant recruitment, and stakeholder management    Mandatory
• Proficiency in computer application; and qualitative data analysis procedures    Mandatory
• Proficiency with qualitative data analysis software’s such as NVIVO    Mandatory
• Good Organization Skills    Desirable
• Communication Skills    Desirable
• Interpersonal Skills    Desirable
• A Team player    Desirable