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Social Scientist at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

  • Full Time
  • Blantyre, Malawi
  • Applications have closed
  • Salary: 000

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) aims to recruit an experienced social scientist to conduct qualitative 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 Social Scientist will work under the direct supervision of Principal Investigators to conduct a qualitative investigation of (1) how psychosis is conceived of as an experience, (2) what idioms of distress are used to articulate these experiences, (3) what traditions of knowledge are drawn upon to articulate experiences, (4) how conceptions and experiences influence care-seeking practices and, (6) what role health care providers, health care leaders, traditional and religious leaders play in the treatment and management of people living with psychosis. After that, the postholder will support work packages 2 and 3 of the PROMISE study.

Under the supervision of the work package 1 lead, the post-holder will organise and conduct Focus Group Discussions, In-depth interviews and photovoice research with people living with psychosis, community members, health care providers and other key stakeholders; analyse the data and prepare manuscripts for publication.

The post is 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
The Social Scientist 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:

    • Integrating closely with team members to develop a thorough understanding of
      relevant study procedures and processes.
    • Taking responsibility for participant engagement and recruitment activities.
    • Undertaking focus group discussions and interviews, working in collaboration with the investigators to ensure smooth conduct, reflection and improvement.
    • Coordinating and arranging transcription and translation and ensuring high quality, including undertaking some transcription and translation
    • 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
    • Conducting 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

    • A Master’s degree in relevant social science, ethics, or public health discipline.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in research ethics and social science.
    • Demonstrated evidence of first-author publications in relevant social science
      ethics, or a public health topic
    • At least four years of research experience.
    • Experience in qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups.
    • Experience with conducting data collection using photovoice.
    • Experience in managing fieldwork and a research project.
    • Experience in qualitative analysis, including qualitative data analysis packages (e.g., NVIVO).
    • Experience in presenting research results at national/international conferences.
    • Sensitivity to cultural differences and the 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.