Job Openings at African Population And Health Research Center (APHRC)

Duties/Responsibilities

The AI Software Engineer will be responsible for creating deployable versions of all Machine Learning models and integration of these into products for improving health and well-being. They will join APHRC’s multidisciplinary team to help in shaping new strategy and showcasing the potential for AI through early-stage solutions.

The AI Software Engineer will:

• Develop ML models alongside DSE’s data engineers, data analysts, data scientists and provide provide end to end AI solutions;
• Build Code Infrastructure from ML models developed by data scientists in DSE using advanced technologies;
• Package ML models into usable products by researches and policy makers;
• Create End Point APIs from the ML algorithms. These will include products such mobile applications, web services, chatbots, CDSS etc.;
• Develop the development of platform for data sharing;
• Provide updates on breakthrough artificial intelligence technologies with the potential to transform the Center’s research environment, the research staff or policy makers’ experience and influence policy development and decision making;
• Work closely with DSE data engineers, program and data managers to produce data into usable formats for analysis;
• Prepare and support monthly reports and scientific publications;
• Support data managers in the use of the metadata software programs;
• Develop training curricula and training materials;
• Attend DSE technical and progress meetings; and
• Contribute to report and manuscript writing, knowledge translation products, grants, and ethics review board applications.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• PhD in Data science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science and Engineering, Applied Statistics. Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Development, or other related field.
• At least three years of experience formulating and strategizing AI solutions; with at least one-year’s postdoctoral experience.
• Solid understanding of common programming languages used in AI, such as Python, Java, C++, and R.
• Advanced knowledge of statistical and algorithmic models as well as of fundamental mathematical concepts, such as linear algebra and probability.
• Experience working with large data sets and writing efficient code capable of processing large data streams at speed.
• Proven experience in applying AI to practical and all-inclusive technology solutions.
• Hands-on knowledge in machine learning, deep learning, Tensorflow, Python, NLP.
• Understanding of functional design principles, object-oriented programming principles, basic algorithms.
• Expertise in REST API development, NoSQL design, RDBMS design.
• Proven expertise in using deep learning, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), computer vision, chatbots, and robotics to help the internal teams promote diverse research outcomes and drive innovation is a must have.
• Understanding of website scripts such as XML, Javascript, JSON.
• Understanding of ETL framework and ETL tools including Alteryx and Microsoft SSIS.
• Digital marketing analytics tools including Google 360, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager and Adobe Marketing Suite.
• Experience with data visualization tools like R shiny, matplotlib, ggplot, d3.js.ArcGIS, QGIS, Tableau to visually encode data and generation of dashboards for interpretation.
• Good communication skills to describe findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, self-driven, has attention to detail with a strong analytical mind.
• Demonstrate ability to work both independently and to work collaboratively with internal and external team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task, work accurately and effectively to deadlines; has good self-assessment of timing of tasks and ability to set deadlines. Organizational and time management skills to manage and prioritize workload.
• Demonstrate an appreciation of technical and analytic challenges, and learning new approaches and topics.

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Duties/Responsibilities

The Data Scientist will be responsible for using novel data science tools including machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to address APHRC’s research questions. They will be expected to expand the use of advanced analytics and data science in the DSE and APHRC.

The Data Scientist will:

• Identify data sources for research needs, compile, collect, very relevant structured and unstructured data for analysis;
• Building Machine Learning and predictive models, ML algorithms to address data-driven research questions;
• Apply pre-processing steps including feature engineering, model selection, training and tuning for effective results;
• Work closely with data engineers, managers to produce data in to usable formats;
• Analyze data for trends and patterns, and find answers to specific questions;
• Set up data infrastructure, develop, implement and maintain databases;
• Generate information and insights from data sets, and identify trends and patterns;
• Prepare and support monthly reports and scientific publications;
• Create visualizations of data from the Center e.g. research generated data on micro portal;
• Train DSE members in robust data science techniques; and
• Contribute to report and manuscript writing, knowledge translation products, grants, and ethics review board applications.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• PhD in data science, applied mathematics, computational science and engineering, applied statistics or other related field. A master’s degree in any of the following mathematics, statistics or computer science.
• A minimum of seven years of professional experience in data analytics, computer science or statistics; with at least one year’s postdoctoral experience.
• Programming skills. Knowledge of statistical programming languages like R, Python, and database query languages like SQL, Oracle, Hive, Pig is desirable. Familiarity with Scala, Java, or C++is an added advantage.
• Good applied statistical skills, including knowledge of statistical tests, distributions, regression, maximum likelihood estimators, etc. Proficiency in statistics is essential for data-driven activities. 
• Machine learning. Good knowledge of machine learning methods like k-Nearest Neighbors, Naive Bayes, SVM, Decision Forests is essential.
• Strong math skills (Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra) to support predictive performance or algorithm optimization techniques. 
• Data wrangling. Proficiency in handling imperfections in data is a critical aspect of this role. 
• Experience with data visualization tools like R shiny, matplotlib, ggplot, d3.js.ArcGIS, QGIS, PowerBi, Excel, Tableau to visually encode data and generation of dashboards for interpretation.
• Good communication skills to describe findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, has attention to detail and a strong analytical mind.
• Demonstrates ability to work both independently and to work collaboratively with internal and external team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task, work accurately and effectively to deadlines; has good self-assessment of timing of tasks and ability to set deadlines; have organizational and time management skills to manage and prioritize workload.
• Demonstrate an appreciation of technical and analytic challenges, and learning new approaches and topics.

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Duties/Responsibilities

The Post- Doctoral Research Scientists will apply novel basic and advanced rigorous impact evaluation methodologies to design and conduct impact evaluation undertakings within and beyond the APHRC.

Technical leadership and support

• Leading the design and implementation of development-related impact evaluations and research studies;
• Support researchers at the Center in adoption of impact evaluation designs in research studies including complex impact evaluations based on modern practices such as Interrupted Time Series (ITS), Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), cluster-randomized designs,  step-wedge designs among others;
• Develop and deepen innovative approaches to impact evaluation e.g., through training of researchers at the Center in IE methodology, developing and writing papers that utilize IE methodologies in peer-reviewed journals, engaging with IE communities of practice to strengthen the Center’s visibility in IE practice, etc.

 Fundraising for IE sustainability

• Lead the resource mobilization for IE projects to ensure that the Center sustain its IE mandate to the foreseeable future;
• Support proposal writing and other fundraising activities geared towards leveraging funds to broaden the current mandate of the Data, Science & Evaluation Program;
• Actively collaborate with and contribute to the work of other Program Areas at APHRC at the Centre’s to strengthen the impact evaluation mandate.

 Management of Impact Evaluation Projects

• Establish, monitor, and update work plans and budgets for Impact Evaluation projects;
• Oversee mobilization of evaluation teams, including organizing and managing team planning meetings and overseeing all necessary logistical preparations for field data collection;
• Identify, recruit and train the research assistants; support teams technically; assist in orienting consultant team members to procedures for working with APHRC;
• Assure high-quality deliverables and evaluation reports;
• Support development of IEs including background and supporting research for ongoing/upcoming IEs and oversight of survey development;
• Manage IE datasets throughout the evaluation life-cycle from coordination of local data collection partners to data management and cleaning to preliminary analysis;
• Serve as a responsive point of contact for clients, ensure contract compliance, and support contract reporting requirements;
• Support the impact evaluation team to develop, review and finalize evaluation analysis plans, evaluation frameworks, and contribute to drafting of work plans, data collection tools, and field monitoring tools for each IE activity;
• Work with Project Evaluation Team to provide timely updates and reports on evaluation activities as needed;
• Participate and/or support the dissemination of findings;
• Carry out any other functions that may be assigned to you from time to time by Senior Management at the Centre.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• PhD in Economics, Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Health Economics, Population and Reproductive Health, Development Economics/Politics or Public Policy and other related disciplines, with specialization in Impact Evaluation of development projects, preferably public health.
• Advanced skills in econometrics/statistics, quantitative methods, and qualitative methods.
• Ability to conduct large-scale surveys in developing countries and handle large datasets using standard econometric statistical software programs (STATA, SAS, R, Python, etc.).
• At least 3 years of work experience in project evaluation and impact analysis is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in in-depth impact analysis methods, and experimental and quasi-experimental methods applied in impact evaluation (RCT, Instrumental Variable regression, propensity score analysis, and interrupted time series, etc.).
• Experience designing and implementing one or more of the following: implementation research, process evaluations, formative/process/summative research, qualitative and mixed-methods research.
• At least two (2) publications or technical reports (or a doctoral research thesis) that utilized IE methodologies/approaches.
• Excellent written, presentation, and communication skills; ability to present arguments and analysis in a structured and succinct manner.
• Strong quantitative skills and ability to work with large data sets.
• Ability to work independently; self-starter and highly motivated.
• Strong theoretical and applied statistical knowledge in particular for the design of IEs.
• Proficiency in English language is required.
• Working knowledge of East, Southern, Northern, and West African regions is desirable.
• Experience in simulation and optimization modelling, and economic evaluations is a plus.

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uties/Responsibilities

• Engage stakeholders and lead in the co-creation of governance arrangements;
• Develop standard operating procedures for research cohorts participating in the APCC;
• Develop guidelines for consistency in data and bio-specimen governance across the APCC (sharing, ownership, commitment to harmonizing);
• Support the development of guidelines dealing with and resolving conflict (dispute/grievance mechanisms with sufficient independence to adjudicate less or more serious issues regarding sharing data);
• Develop guidelines for authorship and publications using APCC materials;
• Provide templates for APCC rational and proposed activities in line with in-country data protection and sharing guidelines;
• Develop guidelines for onboarding and managing country specific principal investigators and data producers;
• Development of guidelines of how unexpected challenges such as epidemics, may influence governance principles and structure;
• Enablement of trans disciplinarily in APCC operations;
• Develop communication products e.g. blogs on data governance in an ecosystem with multi-disciplinary datasets;
• Represent the Centre in high- level national and regional forums including relevant technical working groups and expert committees;
• Lead and participate in dissemination of research findings and policy dialogue with appropriate audiences;
• Plan and coordinate the APCC program and its activities including supporting activities of the governance and capacity building cores;
• Ensure implementation of policies and practices as per Wellcome Trust regulations;
• Maintaining budget and tracking expenditures/transactions by working closely with the project grants and financial officers;
• Manage communications on APCC through media relations, social media and the APHRC Policy Engagement and Communication team;
• Schedule and organize meetings/events and maintain agenda for APHRC related activities; and
• Prepare monthly/quarterly project reports.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• PhD in Health Systems Strengthening, Public Health, Applied Sciences or related field.
• At least seven years’ post-master’s degree experience in a research setting.
• Experience conducting field research and managing data collection teams.
• Experience in engaging policy makers and key stakeholders with research evidence.
• Good writing skills and experience in developing standard operating procedures in relevant subject areas.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, juggle tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and ability to work in a culturally diverse team

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Responsibilities (dependent on level appointed):

• Provide leadership to scientific research teams or projects in an area related to early childhood development (ECD), education and/or youth empowerment;
• Contribute to policy engagement and the theme’s strategic planning activities;
• Lead and contribute to proposal development and fundraising for research projects in the Theme;
• Mentor young researchers, and facilitate sessions in the Center’s training programs as needed;
• Secure and manage the necessary human, financial and material resources in the Theme, project or program;
• Represent the Center at high level national, regional and international forums, including relevant technical working groups and expert committees;
• Contribute to institutional publications including and not limited to lay dissemination materials such as policy/research briefs and fact sheets; and
• Oversee data quality and analyses.

 Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD in educational psychology, developmental psychology, early childhood development, sociology of education, education administration, education management, economics, tests and measurement, linguistics, teaching methods, comparative and international education, technology education, special education, curriculum studies, gender studies with a focus on education, policy studies with a focus on education, statistics with application in education, development studies, youth and community studies or any other related discipline;
• Experience working in a research institution, conducting research, leading or managing research programs or projects;
• Experience with conducting impact evaluations of ECD and/or education interventions will be an added advantage;
• Fluency in English; being multilingual (English and French) will be an added advantage;
• Excellent scientific writing skills;
• Good quantitative or qualitative skills, experience with mixed methods will be an added advantage provided one is very strong in quantitative or qualitative methods;
• Strong proposal writing skills and track record of winning research grants.

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Duties/Responsibilities

• Working with the project team to ensure the successful implementation of the Kenya Abortion Survey;
• and other assigned projects;
• Coordinate the Kenya Abortion Survey project activities, including planning and supporting training, data collection, analysis, and reporting;
• Oversee/lead the development of field and training manuals;
• Oversee the review and translation of research tools;
• Oversee fieldwork of the proposed research project to ensure the timely implementation of field activities;
• Support proposal writing and other fundraising activities within the Unit;
• Ensure ethical approvals and research permits are obtained;
• Oversee data cleaning and analysis;
• Lead the development of project reports;
• Participate in the dissemination of research findings and policy dialogue with appropriate audiences;
• Monitor project budgets and expenditure;
• Prepare project progress reports; and
• Lead and contribute to the development of manuscripts on abortion from this study and other topics within APHRC.

 Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• PhD in Public Health, Community Health, or any related field with a specialization/focus on sexual, reproductive, maternal, and adolescent health and abortion research in Africa.
• At least one year of post-doctoral research experience conducting research on sexual and reproductive health, especially on abortion, in Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in managing research projects.
• Skills in quantitative and qualitative methods, including experience in data analysis with familiarity in Stata.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and ability to work independently in a team.
• Extensive experience and expertise working in abortion research (both quantitative and qualitative) and abortion policy in Africa.
• At least four years working and engaging with stakeholders on the topic of abortion, and with knowledge of the post-abortion care landscape.
• Demonstrable ability to write and publish scientific papers based on one’s publication history on sexual and reproductive health and/or abortion.