Research Associate, Population Health

Research Associate – Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK)

Department: Population Health

Division: Medical College

Location:  Nairobi, Kenya

Project Overview

The Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK) is a national research initiative examining the health, economic, social, and environmental factors affecting Kenya's rapidly growing older adult population. Modeled on the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, LOSHAK will collect and disseminate high-quality data harmonized with global aging studies in over 45 countries. The project's mission is to inform public health policy and improve the health, economic circumstances, and wellbeing of older Kenyans. This study is implemented by the Department of Population Health at Aga Khan University in collaboration with international partners and supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institute of Health, US.

      Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral Research Associate to lead and support key research activities for the LOSHAK project. The Research Associate will play a central role in study protocol development, regulatory approvals, data management and analysis, manuscript preparation, field coordination, stakeholder engagement, and overall quality control of the study. The ideal candidate is a recent PhD graduate in a health-related field (e.g. Public Health, Epidemiology, Population Health) with strong research methodology skills and some postdoctoral research experience. This is a full-time, five-year position in which the incumbent will work under the supervision of the LOSHAK Principal Investigator to ensure the study's successful implementation and scientific excellence. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on ageing in Africa. The successful candidate will gain experience in all phases of the research process – from conception to dissemination – and work closely with leading experts at Aga Khan University and the University of Michigan. The role is ideal for a recent PhD graduate looking to build an academic career in population health research while making a meaningful impact on policy and practice.

   Key Responsibilities

• Study Design & Protocol Development: Contribute to study conceptualization and design, including drafting and refining research protocols and instruments to meet the project's objectives. Prepare documentation for Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) submissions, and ensure all regulatory approvals are obtained and maintained throughout the project lifespan.

• Project Coordination: Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of the project to meet milestones and timelines. This includes developing fieldwork plans, scheduling and supervising data collection activities, and monitoring project progress against targets. Ensure smooth collaboration across the multi-disciplinary project team (local and international) and proactively identify and resolve operational challenges.

• Development of Research Tools & SOPs: Lead the development and refinement of data collection tools (surveys, interview guides, assessment forms) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of study implementation. Continuously update study protocols and SOPs as needed to reflect best practices and lessons learned during the project.

• Field Staff Training & Supervision: Oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of field staff, including enumerators, interviewers, and other research assistants and students. Develop training manuals and conduct training sessions to ensure field teams are well-versed in study procedures, ethical research conduct, and data collection techniques. Provide ongoing mentorship and support to field teams and enforce adherence to study protocols during fieldwork.

• Data Management & Quality Control: Working with the data team, support the establishment and management of robust data management processes for the project. Oversee data collection, entry, cleaning, and secure storage of study data. Ensure data quality by implementing real-time quality checks, field monitoring visits, and periodic audits of collected data. Follow and enforce all project-related SOPs and guidelines during field implementation and take corrective action to address any deviations.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Work with LOSHAK statisticians to conduct statistical data analyses using appropriate software (e.g. Stata, R) to answer the study's research questions. Work with the investigative team to interpret results in the context of existing evidence and the Kenyan setting. Apply rigorous research methods and, where appropriate, novel analytical approaches to generate high-quality findings.

• Reporting & Documentation: Support the preparation of regular project progress reports and updates for the Principal Investigator, funders, and other stakeholders. Document all research activities thoroughly, including maintaining records of data collection, training, and any protocol amendments. Assist in preparing technical reports and grant reports as required.

• Manuscript Writing & Publication: Lead and contribute to the writing of scientific manuscripts to publish the study's findings in peer-reviewed journals. Conduct literature reviews and collaborate with co-investigators to frame the study results within the broader scientific literature. Take primary responsibility for drafting manuscripts, incorporating co-authors' inputs, and managing the submission and revision process with journals.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Dissemination: Engage with a range of stakeholders at various stages of the project to ensure its success and impact. Liaise with community leaders, local health officials, and district stakeholders to gain community entry and support for field activities. Work with national and international collaborators (including the University of Michigan team) to harmonize study protocols and share learnings. Participate in disseminating research findings to appropriate audiences – including policymakers, academic conferences, and community forums – and lead the preparation of policy briefs and presentations to translate findings into actionable insights.

• Quality Assurance: Uphold the highest standards of research ethics and integrity throughout the project. Ensure compliance with all institutional and national research regulations (e.g., obtaining renewals of ethics approvals, adhering to data protection and privacy laws). Continuously monitor study processes for potential issues or biases and implement improvements to maintain scientific rigor.

  Qualifications and Experience

• Education: PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Population Health, or a related health sciences field. The candidate should have strong training in research methods and study design relevant to population health research.

• Research Experience: A minimum of 2 years of relevant research experience post-PhD, preferably including involvement in large-scale field research or longitudinal studies. Experience in health or demographic research (especially on ageing or non-communicable diseases) in sub-Saharan Africa is highly desirable.

• Data Analysis Skills: Proven skills in quantitative data management and analysis, including proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, R or Python. Ability to manage and analyze large datasets and perform advanced statistical analyses is required. Familiarity with qualitative research methods and mixed-methods analysis is an added advantage.

• Publication Track Record: A strong record of scholarly output, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations in relevant topics. Excellent scientific writing and literature review skills are essential.

• Project Management & Coordination Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage research projects or significant components thereof – from protocol development and ethics submissions to field implementation and team coordination. Experience developing research instruments and overseeing data collection in community settings is highly valued.

• Leadership & Teamwork: Excellent organizational and leadership skills, including the ability to supervise and motivate field teams, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines. Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as effectively as part of a multidisciplinary, multicultural team.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders – from community members to academic partners. Proficiency in English (written and oral) is required, with superb report writing and presentation skills. Knowledge of Kiswahili or other local languages is an asset for community engagement (though not mandatory).

• Ethical and Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with research ethics processes and regulations in Kenya (or similar contexts), including experience preparing IRB applications and ensuring compliance with human subjects protections. A thorough understanding of data security and confidentiality practices.

• Flexibility & Commitment: Willingness to travel within Kenya to oversee fieldwork activities as needed, including to rural or remote areas. Ability to adapt to dynamic field conditions and work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail. A strong work ethic, professional integrity, and passion for improving health outcomes for older populations.

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