Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS)
The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) aims to recruit two experienced clinical research assistants to conduct research as part of the Psychosis Recovery Orientation in Malawi by Improving Services and Engagement (PROMISE) study.
PROMISE is a collaboration led by the University of Edinburgh in close collaboration with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Kings College London, St John of God, and the Malawi Ministry of Health. It is a 5-year Wellcome-funded study that seeks to address and improve the mental health of people living in low-middle-income countries (MICs) such as Malawi. The project aims to work with people living with psychosis, local community members, health care providers and healthcare leaders to build on existing health services and initiatives to develop acceptable and sustainable psychosis detection systems and management pathways to improve awareness and health outcomes of people living with psychosis. The study will be conducted in three districts in Malawi.
Job Summary
The Clinical Research Assistant will initially support the collection of qualitative investigation for work package 1. Still, their primary role is to support and facilitate the data collection for work packages 2 and 3 of the PROMISE study.
Under the supervision of work package 2 and 3 lead, with support from principal investigators, the post holders will facilitate the Theory of Change workshops and survey and interview HSAs to collect data which will be used to produce, test, and validate the psychosis detection and management manual.
The post will be based in Blantyre, with fieldwork conducted in Chiradzulu, Ntcheu, and Salima. The successful candidate will be offered a 2-year contract, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.
Main responsibilities
Clinical Research Assistant will be expected to take primary responsibility for participant engagement, recruitment activities and interviews.
Specific responsibilities
The specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:
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- Integrating closely with team members to develop a thorough understanding of relevant study procedures and processes.
- To support the collection of qualitative data in work package
- Taking responsibility for participant engagement and recruitment activities.
- Conduct Theory of Change workshops in intervention districts with community and healthcare stakeholders.
- To conduct surveys and interviews on HSAs to inform the development of a psychosis detection and management manual.
- To conduct surveys and interviews with HAs on the feasibility of the draft manual.
- Conduct diagnostic interviews to screen for positive and negative cases of psychosis.
- Conducting standardised interviews and assessments
- Training and supporting HAs in the use of a psychosis detection and management manual
- Ensuring data security, including confidentiality and safe backup.
- Ensuring ethical conduct of research and supporting ethics governance, including documenting informed consent and organising the protocol study file.
- Contribute to dissemination, knowledge exchange and public engagement activities as part of the research team.
- Data analysis, including coding and potential involvement in writing academic articles.
- Taking responsibility for organisational, budgetary and logistical tasks.
- Monitoring and communicating progress, maintaining workplan and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
Requirements
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- A Bachelors/Master’s degree in psychology or a similar discipline
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative research data collection methods, preferably including both interviews and the use of standardised scales
- Experience in managing fieldwork and a research project.
- Experience conducting health or social care-related research on sensitive subjects
- Ability to undertake research of a sensitive nature
- Ability to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds, including policymakers and community members
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent spoken and written English and Chichewa.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with great attention to detail.
- Ability to work in resource-constrained settings and efficient use of resources.
- Demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for a research career.
- Commitment and willingness to promote high-quality social science, ethical research practice and community engagement with research in Malawi
- To uphold the Kamuzu University of Health Science’s Motto: Excellence for Life.
Remuneration and Benefits
KUHeS offers an attractive remuneration package with a competitive salary package commensurate with the position.
Method of Application
Suitably qualified candidates should submit an application letter, a detailed CV including details of 3 contactable referees and copies of relevant certificates via email to: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw (or by post to:
The Registrar,
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences,
Private Bag 360,
Chichiri, Blantyre 3
Indicate the research project’s name as PROMISE Study on the envelope for hardcopy applications, and indicate the project name and title of the post in the subject line of your email for electronic submissions
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted