Vacancies at Aga Khan University Hospital

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive eye examinations on patients.
• Keep updated and accurate medical records for all patients.
• Prescribe spectacles, visual aids, contact lenses and offer low vision therapy when required.
• To ensure proper management and calibration of eye care equipment.
• Detect signs and symptoms of general health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
• Manage and monitor some eye conditions, either autonomously or alongside an ophthalmologist.
• Effectively communicate with patients explaining their diagnosis and the different treatment options.
• Promote eye health by counselling patients on proper eyewear care, contact lens hygiene and offering overall visual wellness education.
• Collaborate with the clinic team to ensure smooth patient flow and high-quality care delivery for every patient.
• Operate specialized equipment and be conversant with diagnostic procedures in eye care such as Optical Coherence Topography, Visual Field, Topography, Fundus Camera and Biometry.
• Attend CMEs organized by the hospital to stay updated on any changes emerging in the eye care field.
• Assist in development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
• Participate and contribute to quality improvement initiative.
• Any other duty assigned by the management.

Requirements:

• Diploma in Optometry from a reputable institution. A degree in Optometry is an additional advantage.
• Registration from Optometrist Association of Kenya.
• 2 years’ work experience with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite
• Able to communicate with medical professionals.
• Able to work with a team of people from various backgrounds and training.
• Excellent customer service skills and empathetic to patients of all ages
• Good interpersonal skills
• Culturally sensitive
• Able to keep up with continuous Medical Education programs.
• Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision

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Job Summary

• The Research Assistant will play a critical role in the implementation of the KIPMAT study, a research project aimed at predicting poor maternal, neonatal, and early childhood outcomes using Artificial Intelligence/machine learning-based models. The Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting mapping participants, inviting them to the study and conducting assessments to mothers and children, identifying clinical indicators of non-communicable diseases and neurodevelopmental impairments, and ensuring high-quality data collection aligned with the study’s objectives. This role supports the generation of robust clinical data that will inform predictive models and contribute to precision public health strategies in Kenya.

Responsibilities

• Conduct neurodevelopmental and mental health assessments for children using validated tools.
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation of findings in Case Report Forms (CRFs).
• Enter collected data into prescribed electronic databases and forms in a timely and precise manner.
• Support the informed consent and assent process, ensuring participants understand the study and their rights. 
• Ensure all study activities comply with GCP, ethical standards, and institutional and national research governance policies.
• Undertake any other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator or supervisor that align with the scope of the role.

Requirements

• A minimum of diploma in Public Health, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Psychology or related course
• Research background will be desirable.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum 3 years of research experience, preferably in maternal and child health.
• Familiarity with neurodevelopmental and mental health assessments is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili; knowledge of local languages (Kigiriama or Mijikenda) is an added advantage.

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Can work under minimal supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a good team player
• Good communication skills (both written and oral)
• Attention to detail
• Keen desire to learn and share knowledge

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Job Purpose/Summary 

The research Project Manager role, supervised by Principal Investigator(s), orchestrates the entire research project(s) lifecycle, from initiation to closeout. They meticulously plan, execute, and monitor project(s) activities, ensuring alignment with objectives and timelines. Through stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, risk management, and efficient communication, they navigate challenges and facilitate collaboration. Ultimately, their efforts culminate in successful project(s) closeout, delivering valuable insights that advance the Brain and Mind Institute's mission of promoting brain health and mental well-being

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Study pre-implementation Phase

• Create a comprehensive project(s) plan outlining timelines, milestones, tasks, and responsibilities.
• Identify key stakeholders, including team members, collaborators, project(s) sites, regulatory bodies, and participants.
• Ensure accurate translations/transcriptions through QA review
• Obtain necessary approvals from ethics committees and regulatory authorities.
• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with the research project(s) and develop mitigation strategies.
• Set up communication channels and protocols for regular updates, meetings, and reporting.

Study Implementation Phase  

• Implement the project(s) plan by overseeing and coordinating all project(s) activities according to established timelines and milestones.
• Allocate and manage project(s) resources, including budget, personnel, equipment, and materials, to support project(s) activities.
• Monitor and track project(s) progress against predefined metrics, milestones, and deliverables to identify any deviations or issues.
• Coordinate and facilitate communication and collaboration among project(s) team members, ensuring alignment with project(s) objectives and tasks.
• Maintain regular communication with stakeholders, including sponsors, collaborators, and regulatory bodies, to provide updates on project(s) progress and address any concerns.
• Ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements throughout the duration of the project(s).
• Identify and address any issues, challenges, or risks that arise during project(s) implementation in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor project(s) budget and expenses, tracking spending against budget allocations and identifying any variances or discrepancies.
• Implement quality assurance and control measures to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and validity of research data and results.
• Maintain detailed documentation of project(s) activities, decisions, and outcomes, including meeting minutes, progress reports, and correspondence.
• Manage project(s) communications and reporting, including regular updates, status reports, and dissemination of project(s) findings to stakeholders.
• Continuously evaluate project(s) performance and outcomes against predefined objectives and criteria, making adjustments or revisions as necessary to ensure project(s) success

Study Close Out Phase   

• Ensure all project(s) documentation is complete and accurate.
• Conduct a final evaluation of the project(s) to assess achievements and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure all regulatory requirements are met for project(s) closure.
• Coordinate financial activities to close project(s) budgets and reconcile expenses.
• Disseminate project(s) findings and outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Establish organized and accessible archives for project(s) documentation and materials.
• Conduct a session to capture lessons learned and insights for future project(s)s

Educational Qualifications

• Preferred: Master’s level training (or higher) in a health science field.
• Acceptable related disciplines: Psychology, Neuroscience, Data Science, Biomedical Sciences, Global Health, Public Health, or other fields with demonstrated relevance to mental health and brain research.
• Additional certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is an advantage.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing research projects, ideally in mental health, neuroscience, or clinical/biomedical research.
• Proven track record in multi-site, multi-partner project coordination, including hospitals, universities, and community-based research.
• Experience with scientific and operational management of international projects is desirable
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research ethics, and human subjects' protection.
• Experience supervising research staff and coordinating capacity-building activities.
• Educational or experiential knowledge of psychological and neuropsychological test administration

Personal Characteristics & Behaviour

• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in research practices, including confidentiality, data protection, and participant welfare.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of and respect for cultural differences, with the ability to navigate diverse environments and collaborate effectively across cultures.
• Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain efficient workflows to meet project(s) timelines.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication (English and Kiswahili) with team members, stakeholders, and collaborators, both verbally and in writing.
• Analytical Thinking: Capacity to analyze complex information, interpret data, and draw meaningful conclusions to inform project(s) decisions and strategies.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to adjust plans and strategies in response to changing project(s) needs, unforeseen circumstances, or new information.
• Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in reviewing project(s) documentation, data, and reports to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Team Collaboration: Capacity to work collaboratively with diverse teams, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Resilience: Ability to remain composed under pressure, handle setbacks or failures constructively, and persist in achieving project(s) goals.