Research Assistants

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) is a trans-AKU entity dedicated to advancing brain health and mental health across Africa and South and Central Asia through a holistic approach that integrates research, education, engagement and innovation. In regions where access to mental health care is limited by poverty, inequality, and underdeveloped infrastructure, BMI aims to fill critical gaps by addressing challenges such as dementia and alzheimer’s, depression, suicide prevention and substance use. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we focus on fostering culturally sensitive and locally relevant solutions to improve brain health outcomes, reduce stigma, and enhance quality of life for individuals and families affected by brain-related disorders.

Job Purpose/Summary 

The Research Assistant at the BMI plays a vital role in supporting research endeavors under the guidance of Research Associates, Research Managers, and Principal Investigators. Their responsibility primarily revolves around assisting with participant recruitment, administering interviews and tests, and managing data collected during research activities. Additionally, they collaborate closely with the Research Associate/Manager to ensure the smooth execution of research projects, including coordinating with research partners and stakeholders, maintaining research instrumentation, and providing technical support as needed.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Support participant recruitment efforts using diverse strategies, maintain precise records, and ensure research project sites are efficiently set up.
• Conduct interviews and surveys in adherence to ethical guidelines, while systematically organizing and securing collected data.
• Provide technical assistance, collaborate with research teams to facilitate project execution, and ensure proper maintenance of research equipment.
• Uphold ethical standards, ensure participant confidentiality, and comply with institutional and regulatory research protocols.
• Take on additional responsibilities as the study progresses, ensuring seamless adaptation during initiation, implementation, and close-out phases.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as psychology, public health, sociology, or a related discipline.
• Additional certifications or coursework in research methods, data analysis, or relevant areas are preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in research data collection, and report writing.
• Experience working in academic or research settings preferred.
• Familiarity with participant recruitment procedures, data collection techniques, and research ethics.
• Proficiency in English and Swahili language skills, writing, spoken