Research Officer
Reference Number: ROJAN2023
Employment Type: Full time
Category: Health Systems and Research
Ethics
Job Grade: 7
Country: Kenya
Location: Kilifi
JOB
PURPOSE:
To contribute to the
social science research agenda within the HSRE department, including empirical
ethics and health policy and systems research in global health, with a focus on
Kenya. Areas of this work are conducted as part of international research
collaborations. The post holder will undertake systematic and other forms of
review of published and grey literature, and contribute to the planning,
conduct and dissemination of findings from social science studies (quantitative
and qualitative) in relation to key areas of research in the department. The
broad areas of departmental focus are global health research ethics and health
policy and systems research. Empirical ethics research foci may include studies
based on Controlled Human Infection Models, vaccine donations, impact of
COVID-19 on research studies, effectiveness of remote informed consent,
approaches to community engagement in research and concepts of vulnerability in
research.
Description:
REPORTS TO: Principal
Investigator
DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: None
INDIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Senior Field Workers
BUDGET AND RESOURCE
RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for a laptop computer and one or more digital
voice recorders used in this work; and for petty cash budgets associated with
field work.
Duties & Responsibilities
1. To review and summarize
issues from the published scientific literature in specific areas of interest,
with a particular focus on international collaborative research in Africa; and
to update this as needed over time.
2. To review and summarize
national and international guidelines or policy documents relevant to foci of
specific social science research projects; and to update this as needed over
time.
3. To contribute to the
development and ethical conduct of specific areas of social science research at
KWTRP, including planning, tool development and data collection and analysis
for quantitative and qualitative research, and writing scientific papers and
blogs around current areas of work.
4. To contribute to the
dissemination of information from the study, including through the preparation
of reports, blogs and manuscripts for publication, making presentations at
scientific meetings and feeding back to participants in the consultation
exercise.
5. Where indicated,
provide training and support to other research team members / collaborating
partners in areas within these responsibilities.
6. And any other duties
that may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications
1. MA or MSc in relevant
subject such as Social Science (related to health), Public Health, Bioethics,
Law, Nursing, Medicine or equivalent
2. At least 3 years of
health research experience, ideally including at least 2 years post masters
experience in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative research
data. Experience in peer-reviewed publishing will be an advantage.
3. Computer literacy with
proficiency in Microsoft applications and software for quantitative and
qualitative analysis.
Competences
1. A keen interest in
social science and bioethics or clinical or research ethics
2. Good planning,
organization, and co-ordination skills
3. Good analytical and
follow through ability
4. High levels of fluency
in written and spoken English and Kiswahili
5. Ability to take and
follow instructions, initiative, keen to learn and proactive with the ability
to work under minimal supervision
6. Excellent interpersonal
and communication skills, including in making presentations at scientific
meetings
7. Flexibility,
adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail
8. Conscientiousness,
timeliness and willingness to work to meet deadlines
9. Confidentiality and
integrity
10. Team working and
ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
– The workstation will be
at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust’s office at Kilifi, with occasional travel to other
locations in Kenya and internationally.
– Be available to work out
of hours, if necessary. – The work environment will include both office and
field-based tasks
How to Apply
To apply for this post you
must be a registered user. Log into your account then go to Vacancies, view the
post and click on the button: “Apply
for this job”.
All applicants are
required to state their current/last salary.
Candidates must supply an
email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews. Only shortlisted candidates
will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates
shall be required to produce ORIGINALS
of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates,
original transcripts and testimonials, detailed curriculum vitae and valid
clearance certificate (certificate of good conduct) during the interviews.
The application closing
date is 24th January 2023.
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust
Research Programme (KWTRP) is an equal opportunity employer. Direct or indirect canvassing will lead
to automatic disqualification. KWTRP does not charge a fee at any stage
of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing,
training or any other fees).
