Vacancies at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Summary

To assist in field activities for research projects within IHD. The main objectives of DFG study include but not limited to;

• Investigate environmental and behavioral determinants for the heterogeneous distribution of tungiasis in space and time
• Investigate host-seeking behavior of Tunga penetrans.
• Assess risk factors of chronic disease
• Assess mechanisms of cognitive impacts
• Assess impact on animal production
• Assess effect of environmental stress and exposure to insect growth regulators on gene expression in larvae and adult Tunga penetrans
• Mentor and train young investigators
• Engage policymakers, national, international NTD programs.

Responsibilities

Fieldwork Support

• Attend training on the planned study procedures, data collection and field activity management.
• Assist in logistical preparation and implementation of recruitment and mobilization of study participants.
• Administer pretested data collection tools.
• Actively participate in the process of troubleshooting on any issues affecting or may affect study field operations.
• Assist in community engagement processes.
• Attends debrief meetings as guided by the Project Lead.
• Attend any other task required by the Project Lead.

Data Management

• Introduce the study to the participants and seek their informed consent to participate in the study.
• Contribute to tool review and pre-testing of tools (survey tools,foot exams and assessment tasks).
• Conduct data collection and ensure quality and ethics protocols are adhered to.
• Document and report field experiences as per the plan through the guidance of Project Lead.
• Safeguard data collection devices and tools.
• Ensure proper storage of all records and raw data.

Requirements

• A Diploma or a bachelor’s degree in public health, Development Studies or other allied fields. A background in health sciences is desirable.  
• Proficiency in the use of smart phone/tablet to collect data is required. 
• Familiarity with research ethics and experience taking informed consent.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within tight schedules.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in quantitative and/or mixed methods research including use of smartphones/tablets to collect data.
• Experience in data coding and data transcription and translation is an added advantage. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Good knowledge and research data management.
• Demonstrate knowledge in community engagement in research.
• Excellent demonstrated teamwork and coordination skills.

Personal Characteristics

• Can work under minimal or no supervision. 
• Highly organized.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a good team player.
• Keen desire to learn and share knowledge.  

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Job Summary

• The AKILI project is a multi-site case-control study involving children and adolescents with ADHD. It entails collection of cognitive and behavioral characteristics of the participants using a vast array of tools. The study also collects saliva samples from which genetic analysis will be done. 
• We are looking for highly motivated individual who is willing and able to work full-time on their PhD.  The PhD studentship will be hosted at the Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, with cross-supervision across departments.  The training will offer the incumbent an opportunity to carry out their PhD thesis in The Genetic Characterization of ADHD in Kenyan and South African populations (AKILI). 
• The successful candidate will work with their supervisors to refine the topic areas and develop a full proposal within the first 3 months.  The studentship will provide a monthly stipend, tuition fees, conference attendance costs, and any other opportunities for capacity building as agreed upon with the supervisors.

Responsibilities
Preliminary work

• Conduct literature review.
• Develop PhD concept note.
• Develop a training and supervision plan.
• Contribute to the study’s protocol development.

Project coordination and implementation

• Coordinate the planning and implementation of the project’s community engagement activities.
• Contribute to the implementation of the specific research projects they will be attached. This includes but is not limited to:
• Mobilization, recruitment and consenting of study participants.
• Ensure readiness of data collection tools.
• Recruitment and training field enumerators.
• Support with planning and supervising data collection activities.
• Ensure adherence to ethical procedures
• Managing project payments and maintaining accurate records in compliance with departmental policies and procedures

Data Management

• Support with data management and analysis.
• Ensure proper documentation of all procedures and overall research process in coordination with data manager.
• Ensure proper storage of all records and data.
• Ensure appropriate back-up of data is in place. 
• Data analysis for qualitative and quantitative data

Capacity building activities

• Participate in specialized training programs, workshops, and seminars to develop advanced research skills.
• Gain experience in teaching, mentoring, and supervising junior students/researchers (e.g leading tutorials, facilitating courses, and supervising undergraduate research projects.
• Attend conferences, seminars, and other academic events to present research findings.

Communication/Dissemination

• Work closely with PhD supervisors to ensure there is frequent communication through the appropriate channels.
• Support with planning and implementation of dissemination activities.
• Manuscripts write up in peer-reviewed journals.
• Support the scientific communication of research findings through mainstream journals, policy briefs, reports and conference presentation, media appearances and engagement of different stakeholders.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in psychology, neurosciences, global mental health, statistics, public health, nursing, education, or any other allied field.  
• Strong statistical background.  
• Working knowledge of quantitative statistical software
• Strong written and oral communication skills that can be demonstrated through published peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations and community engagement.

Relevant Experience.

• Strong scientific writing skills. 
• Background in and experience in any areas of human development with a focus on children and adolescents. 
• Working knowledge of quantitative data analysis using statistical software.

Personal Characteristics 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills and a meticulous approach to documentation.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel extensively both locally and internationally for data collection, dissemination, and doctoral studies.

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Job Summary

The Administrative Assistant will support the AKILI study at IHD with administrative tasks and processes, for effective and efficient operations. AKILI is a study on genetic characterization of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Kenyan and South African populations.

Responsibilities

• Providing high-level administrative support to the AKILI study team.
• Raising payment requests with all the required documentation and following up with various departments for smooth and efficient issuance of contracts and payments.    
• Compiling the project’s documents such as quarterly work plans and following through to make sure all the support needed is mapped and provided appropriately. 
• Organizing, scheduling, and taking minutes of necessary meetings and following up on the execution of action points. 
• Flagging action items requiring the immediate attention of the AKILI team 
• Liaise with other departments e.g., Finance, HR, travel, and procurement to tracking requests placed on behalf of the team.

Requirements

• A diploma in business management, commerce, project planning, and management, or a related field.

Relevant Experience.

• Experience supporting a research project 
• Experience in drafting and presenting basic project reports 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and familiarity with online document storage platforms such as OneDrive and Dropbox  
• Experience working in a multicultural setting

Personal Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills and a meticulous approach to documentation
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines
• Self-starter with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment 
• Flexibility and adaptability 
• Time management skills
• Creative problem solver
• Strong attention to detail/listening skills
• Excellent computer literacy
• Organizational and planning skills
• Must possess a cheerful work attitude and be able to foster a positive team for both internal and external stakeholders for IHD