Research Assistant (4 Posts) at KCMC University

Job Title: Research Assistant (RA)
Number of Positions: 4
Employment Type: Full-time, 6 months, renewable
Start Date: September 2026
Reports To: Principal Investigator(s) and/or Study Coordinator
Employment Location: KCMC University, Tanzania, with study activities in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, and Mbeya

About the Study

The Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at KCMC University, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC, USA), is conducting a study 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 burden on family caregivers.

About the Role

The Research Assistant will support participant recruitment and qualitative and quantitative data collection for the KUPAA study at designated hospital psychiatry clinics.

The Research Assistant will work closely with psychiatry clinic staff, clinicians, patients, and caregivers to ensure ethical, accurate, confidential, and participant-centered study procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Screen potential participants against protocol-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria before enrollment.
• Document eligibility decisions and enrolled participants in the appropriate registers while safeguarding sensitive information.
• Conduct the in-person informed consent process, answer participant questions, and allow adequate time for participants to review and discuss the information before obtaining signatures and dates.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and administer surveys to patients and caregivers in accordance with the study protocol.
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of the KUPAA study protocol, including procedures, timelines, participant eligibility criteria, confidentiality, and privacy protections.
• Ensure recruitment, consent, and data collection activities comply with study confidentiality requirements.
• Complete and maintain all required research training and certifications, including human subjects protection and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Comply with applicable Tanzania and US regulations, KCMC University requirements, UNC requirements, and sponsor policies.
• Attend study-related training, team meetings, and weekly Zoom study team meetings.
• Promote ethical research conduct and report any suspected misconduct in good faith.
• Coordinate scheduling of the clinician-rated PANSS scale with qualified clinical staff, including psychiatrists with an MMed and clinical psychologists with an MSc.
• Coordinate assessments to take place within the same week where possible.
• Prepare, complete, and maintain accurate study materials and documentation, including consent forms, brochures, case report forms, registers, and adverse event logs.
• Cross-check study documents to ensure timely and accurate completion.
• Keep regulatory binders and source documents organized.
• Assist with qualitative codebook development and establish levels of agreement between coders.
• Assist with refining the qualitative codebook, coding, and data analysis.
• Contribute to day-to-day study management, including teamwork, problem-solving, communication, protocol adherence, and scheduling.
• Assist with preparation of IRB submissions, activity plans, and progress reports as required.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the study team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Counselling Psychology, Social Work, Sociology/Demography, or another relevant field.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Previous experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Experience with REDCap is not required but will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to explain information clearly and sensitively to patients and caregivers.
• Experience with transcription and translation between English and Swahili.
• Previous involvement in a health-related research programme is an added advantage.
• Ability to work comfortably and confidently 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).
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexible and collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently and deliver results.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule aligned with clinic operating days.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email, and internet use.
• Proficiency in both English and Swahili.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following documents within 14 days of the posting of this announcement:

1. Cover letter describing your qualifications and indicating your interest in the project, written in English.
2. Curriculum Vitae, including three references and their contact information.
3. Applicant's contact information, including address, telephone number, and email address.
4. Copies of relevant training certificates.

How to Apply

Complete applications should be sent to:

Site Principal Investigator:
[email protected]

Project Coordinator:
[email protected]

Important Information

• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
• The KUPAA project will not cover transportation or communication costs associated with interviews.
• All correspondence should be addressed appropriately to the relevant KCMC University project officials.