Careers at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Purpose/Summary 

The pivotal role of a Research Associate at the BMI involves a multifaceted approach to advancing knowledge and promoting mental well-being. In addition to participant recruitment, administration of interviews and tests, and data management, the Research Associate collects, analyzes, and reports data. They also coordinate with research stakeholders, assist in disseminating project results through various channels, and maintain instrumentation related to field or laboratory research. Moreover, the Research Associate provides technical support to researchers, contribute to designing research projects, and independently conduct work complementary to overall research objectives. Furthermore, they train and mentor others in research-related protocols, models, and instrumentation, while also having the opportunity to pursue independent research projects under the mentorship of Principal Investigators, thereby furthering BMI's research objectives and goals.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Research Design Contribution: Provide input on methodology, sampling, and data collection tools to enhance research design and improve study processes and outcomes.
• Participant Recruitment: Develop strategies to attract eligible participants, engage with them to explain study objectives, screen for eligibility, and obtain informed consent.
• Data Collection, Analysis, and Management: Collect quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups; organize and clean data; conduct analysis using tools like SPSS and NVivo; ensure ethical data management and produce comprehensive analysis reports.
• Research Partner and Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with research partners to ensure smooth project implementation, communicate timelines, and address challenges that arise.
• Instrumentation Maintenance: Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of research instruments, troubleshoot technical issues, and maintain records of maintenance activities.
• Technical Support for Researchers: Assist researchers in following protocols, provide guidance on data collection methods, and troubleshoot data-related issues.
• Manuscript Development: Draft initial manuscript versions based on research findings and support submission to journals.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Additional Qualifications: Certifications or coursework in research methods, data analysis, or related areas are advantageous but not required.
• Experience: 2-3 years of experience in research coordination, data collection, analysis, and report writing, preferably in academic or research settings.
• Skills: Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and data analysis.
• Publications: Experience drafting manuscripts, with at least two peer-reviewed publications.
• Ethics Training: Certified in human research ethics.

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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.