PIH : Research Scientist – Kigali
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Location:
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Salary:negotiable / YEAR
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Job type:FULL_TIME
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Posted:3 weeks ago
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Category:Research and Data
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Deadline:03/12/2025
JOB DESCRIPTION
Description
Position Title: Research scientist
Reports to: Chair, Center for Population Health
Location: University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Butaro campus with travels to Kigali, Rwanda
The Center for Population Health at UGHE
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality health care to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. We have recently establishedthe Center for Population Health which hosts population health teaching, trainingand researchat UGHE. The center will be the main epicenter for population health research and teaching at UGHE and stimulates ongoing activities in this area. We are in the process of setting upa Health and Demographic Surveillance site (HDSS) in Butaro which generates much-needed evidence in disease surveillance, morbidity and mortality patterns, chronic disease research, nutrition and child health in Rwanda and the region.
The Research scientist/HDSS cohort manager at the Center for Population Health (CPH) is responsible for leading the establishment of the Butaro HDSS. The candidate will work with faculty, staff, and students to develop and implement innovative HDSS programs and initiatives that address the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health in Rwanda and the region. The Research scientist/HDSS cohort manager will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the newly established Butaro HDSS and ongoing studies.The ideal candidate will have a PhD in epidemiology, demography, public health or a related field, experience in managing HDSS cohorts, and experience conducting population-based studies in African settings.
Roles and responsibilities
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Coordinate the day-to-day running of the Butaro Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) in rural Butaro covering 38,000 population. It will involve enumeration of all households in Butaro
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Lead the continuous registration of births, deaths (with the underlying cause of death including verbal autopsy), and demographic changes to whole households, with anfrequent re-census of household membership and update of household and individual socio-economic status
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Manage the HDSS cohort, including data collection, data cleaning, and data analysis
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Conduct research on the cohort, including developing research proposals, conducting data analysis, and writing research papers
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Collaborate with other researchers on research projects arising from the HDSS and disseminate research findings to stakeholders
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Lead the integration of the established ‘HDSS program’ with the health facility data systems from PIH/IMB supported health facilities, linking demographic, epidemiological, mortality, morbidity, clinical, laboratory, household, and environmental data
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Work closely with the community health and social medicine department at UGHE, PIH/IMB and other stakeholders to design a strong community engagement activities
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Support the development of population health course teaching to MGHD and medical students as appropriate
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Lead the CPH and the Institute of Global Health Equity Research in its mission to improve the health of the population by advancing the science and practice of population health
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Be willing to take academic, non-academic committee and ad-hoc responsibilities as assigned by the UGHE leadership
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Manage the HDSS budget and staff as appropriate
Qualifications
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PhD in a medical (epidemiology, public health, global health), healthcare, or related subject preferred
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Previous experience working in Health and Demographic and Surveillance sites in Africa or cohort study management.
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Post-doctoral experience preferably conducting research in HDSS sites in Africa or conducting population based studies
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Strong data analysis sand writing kills including using a statistical software (STATA, SAS, R)
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At least 5 years of experience in population health research, practice, or teaching
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Experience in publishing in academic journals
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Proven ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively as part of a research team, and to meet research deadlines
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
How to Apply:
Applicants should provide: (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter detailing interest and aptitude for the position, (3) names and contact information of three professional references who can attest to work experience, and (4) copies of all degrees earned. Please upload your cover letter and copies of degrees as a single PDF file under “Additional Files” on the application page.
University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Organizational Profile
UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.
UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.
Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.
Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:
At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.
UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements
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