Research Assistant Vacancies at MUHAS

 

MUHIMBILI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES (MUHAS)

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (RA) – Two (2) Positions

Introduction

The Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at MUHAS, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC, USA), is planning to conduct a study in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, and Mbeya Regions titled “Family Psychoeducation for Adults with Psychotic Disorders in Tanzania”, branded in Swahili as KUPAA (Kuwezeshana Kupata Uzima). The study aims to reduce disability, improve quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations among adults living with schizophrenia, while also reducing the family burden for caregivers.

Position Details

• Job Title: Research Assistants
• Number of Posts: Two (2)
• Employment Status: Full-time for 6 months (Renewable)
• Start Date: September 2026
• Reports To: Principal Investigator(s) and/or Study Coordinator
• Duty Station: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Job Summary

The Research Assistant (RA) will support participant recruitment for both qualitative and quantitative data collection for the KUPAA study at designated hospital psychiatry clinics. The successful candidates will work closely with psychiatry clinic staff, clinicians, patients, and caregivers to ensure ethical, accurate, and participant-centered study procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Screen potential participants against protocol-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria before enrollment and document eligibility decisions while safeguarding sensitive information.
• Conduct the in-person informed consent process, answer participant questions, allow adequate review time, and obtain required signatures according to SOPs.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and administer surveys to patients and caregivers according to the study protocol.
• Develop and maintain thorough familiarity with the KUPAA study protocol, including procedures, timelines, participant eligibility, confidentiality, and privacy protections.
• Complete and maintain all required research training and certifications, including human subjects protection and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Attend study-related training sessions, team meetings, and weekly Zoom meetings.
• Promote ethical research conduct and report any suspected misconduct.
• Coordinate scheduling of clinician-rated PANSS assessments with qualified clinical staff.
• Prepare, complete, and maintain accurate study materials and documentation, including consent forms, brochures, CRFs, registers, adverse event logs, regulatory binders, and source documents.
• Assist with qualitative codebook development, coding, and data analysis.
• Contribute to daily study management, including teamwork, communication, protocol adherence, scheduling, IRB submissions, activity plans, and progress reports.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the study team.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Nursing, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Sociology/Demography, or another relevant field, with at least three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Previous experience in both quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Experience with REDCap software is an added advantage but not mandatory.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Experience in transcription and translation (English/Swahili).
• Previous involvement in health-related research is an added advantage.
• Confidence working with individuals who may have cognitive decline or psychotic symptoms.
• Working knowledge of research governance principles and human subjects protection, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams while also working independently.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management abilities.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and internet use.
• Proficiency in both English and Swahili, with familiarity with study site communities being desirable.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following by 20th August 2026:

1. Cover letter describing qualifications and reasons for interest in the project (written in English).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV), including three referees and their contact information.
3. Applicant's contact information (address, phone number, and email address).
4. Photocopies of relevant training certificates.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews at MUHAS. Travel costs for interviews will not be covered by the project.

How to Apply

Send complete application documents to:

The Principal Investigator
Email: [email protected]