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Qualitative Research Assistant – Social Science (LIGHT Study)-Internal Vacancy
- Blantyre
- Contract (Full-Time)
- Closing Date: 04/05/2025
Job Description
INTRODUCTION
The Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome – Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognised centre for research and research training, affiliated to the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). MLW has 2 aims, to conduct excellent research that benefits health and train the next generation of researchers and leaders.
The position of Qualitative Research Assistant – Social Science will report to the Study Coordinator. The Qualitative Research Assistant – Social Science will be full-time based at MLW with some visits to the field around Blantyre for data collection. The position holder will coordinate protocol development, study activation, data collection, data analysis on a qualitative study under the LIGHT Project.
POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE): In summary, why does the job exist?
The LIGHT Project is seeking to engage a Qualitative Research Assistant. LIGHT is a six- year cross-disciplinary global health research programme funded by UK aid, led by LSTM working with partners in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda and the UK.
The Research Assistant will be based full-time at MLW, with occasional visits to the field around Blantyre for data collection. The position holder will coordinate protocol development, including data collection materials, study activation, data collection, and data analysis on a qualitative study under the LIGHT Project at MLW.
This is a mixed-methods study that seeks to explore the knowledge, attitudes and preferences of community members towards testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection testing and uptake of interventions among adolescents and adults in general communities in urban Blantyre, Malawi, and how findings vary by gender. Building on previous work within the LIGHT Consortium, this study aims to focus on the role of gender in shaping knowledge, attitudes and preferences for Mtb testing and interventions among communities in Blantyre. The post-holder will lead study implementation, including data collection, data analysis, manuscript write up, including stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
- KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The major duties and tasks of this
Professional requirements
- Coordinate ethics review submission, including protocol development, data collection tools and MLW study initiation clearance
- Study implementation, including data collection, data analysis and manuscript write up
- To travel to the field for data collection
- Arrange for interviews with participants
- To ensure that participation in interviews is based on voluntary and informed consent and that participant confidentiality is maintained
- To ensure that all data is stored safely and securely
- Data curation, transcription and translation
- To manage and update investigator study files
- Writing abstracts and manuscripts
- Provide regular feedback on study progress to the PI and supporting staff, including LIGHT Consortium senior social scientists
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS: (i.e. Education, Training and Experience Requirements).
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant social science discipline (e.g. anthropology, sociology), Public health or any relevant discipline
- Good clinical practice (GCP) certificate
- Extensive experience in conducting qualitative research including conducting in- depth interviews and working with community groups. Previous qualitative TB research is desirable.
- Experience in transcribing and translating audio recordings and working with word transcription software.
- Experience in qualitative data coding and analysis NVivo software for qualitative data management.
- Writing skills evidenced by published academic
- Ability to work independently and as part of a
- Fluency in Chichewa and
- Ability to adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
Mode of application and Requirements
- Cover Letter.
- A detailed CV with at least 3 contactable
- Copies of relevant certificates.
- Please indicate the position title as the heading of the email (Qualitative Research Assistant – Social Science).
- This is a renewable 1-year contract and will be based in Blantyre.
- All documents should be sent in the applicant’s names as one (1) pdf file. To vacancies@mlw.mw not later than 4th May, 2025.
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED