Job Purpose/Summary
The
position exists to support the implementation of high-quality research within
the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) by contributing to the design, coordination,
and execution of studies that advance scientific understanding and promote
mental well-being. Specifically, the Research Associate will support the
BrainSTART Project, focusing on neuropsychological and cognitive research
activities.
The role involves recruiting and consenting participants in line with ethical
and human subject protection standards, administering structured interviews and
neuropsychological assessments, managing and analyzing research data, and
preparing reports and manuscripts. The incumbent will also contribute to
project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of results,
ensuring that research activities are conducted to the highest ethical and
scientific standards in alignment with BMI’s mission.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Contribution to Research Design and Ethical
Compliance
- Participate in the design and adaptation of
research protocols and instruments.
- Provide input on methodology, sampling
techniques, and data collection tools.
- Support preparation and submission of research
protocols, informed consent forms, and source worksheets to
- institutional and national ethics committees.
- Participant Recruitment and Engagement
- Develop recruitment strategies and screen
potential participants for eligibility.
- Obtain informed consent and administer
structured interviews, questionnaires, and neuropsychological tests.
- Build and maintain rapport with participants to
ensure comfort, understanding, and adherence to study procedures.
- Accompany participants to research appointments
(e.g., neuroimaging and biospecimen collection) and ensure their safety
and wellbein
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Collect, curate, clean, and manage study data
using approved tools and platforms.
- Score, verify, and double-check data for
accuracy.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and report data errors
or discrepancies to the Project Manager/PI, with proposed corrective
actions.
- Conduct basic preliminary statistical analysis
and support report generation.
- Supervision, Technical, and Instrumentation
Support
- Supervise and mentor Research Assistants
involved in data collection and management.
- Train staff on study procedures and proper use
of research tools and equipment.
- Ensure study materials and equipment are
available, functional, and well-maintained.
- Troubleshoot technical or logistical challenges
and maintain related records.
- Coordination with Research Partners and
Stakeholders
- Collaborate with internal and external research
partners, community stakeholders, and service providers to ensure smooth
project implementation.
- Communicate project requirements, timelines, and
deliverables effectively.
- Actively participate in project meetings,
journal clubs, and management committee sessions.
- Research Dissemination and Reporting
- Prepare progress summaries, reports, and
presentations for the Project Manager and Principal Investigators.
- Contribute to drafting manuscripts, literature
reviews, and conference materials based on project findings.
- Support dissemination of research outputs
through academic and community channels.
Educational Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or in final year) in
Psychology, Psychometrics, Biomedical Sciences, Data Science, Social work,
or related discipline.
- Relevant Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in human subjects
research and data management.
- Experience supervising research assistants.
- Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative
methods, psychological measurement, and neuropsychological testing.
- Experience with statistical software, Microsoft
Office, and data platforms.
- Familiarity with community engagement, NGO
collaboration, and ethical oversight processes.
- Proficiency in English and Swahili, both spoken
and written.
- Personal Characteristics & Behaviour
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication
abilities.
- Ability to manage participant welfare and
psychological sensitivity.
- Works independently and meets tight deadlines.
- Ethical, adaptable, and committed to teamwork.
- Must provide three referees—all to be contacted
prior to contract issuance
How to Apply
