Background:

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is a parastatal organization established by an Act of parliament No. 23 of 1979 (CAP. 59, R.E. 2002) and became operational in 1980. NIMR-Mwanza Research Centre is one of the NIMR Centres located in Mwanza. The Centre is currently conducting research on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as well as other diseases of public health importance. The Centre is looking for qualified, experienced and well-motivated personnel to fill the following vacant positions whose duty station will be in Mwanza Region.

NIMR is collaborating with the University of Oxford, UK and University of Cape Town, South Africa to conduct a two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ParentApp (an evidence-based parenting app for parents and caregivers of adolescents aged 10-18 years) on improving parenting, reducing violence and assessing processes and outcomes which address parenting skills that promote holistic adolescent development, specifically related to executive function and social integration using a learning through play approach. The study will be conducted in two regions – Mwanza and Shinyanga in Tanzania.

We have exciting and challenging opportunities for one PhD and one Master studentship, one Post-Doctoral fellowship and a Research Coordinator to join the NIMR research team, evaluating the impact of the ParentApp digital intervention. The post holders will be based in Mwanza, but with frequent visits and stays at the study sites and close collaboration with partner academic institutions, organisations and stakeholders.

JOB POSITION: POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (1 Post)

PROJECT TITLE: Parent App for teens Tanzania

REPORTING: Project Principal Investigator

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To work as part of a team of researchers and implementers on the development, optimization, evaluation, and scale-up of a digital parenting intervention in Tanzania;
To conduct literature reviews on topics related to research;
To conduct data cleaning and data management;
To conduct quality checks of the quantitative data (Quality Control);
To plan and conduct advanced statistical data analyses of longitudinal datasets (cohorts and trials);
To build new quantitative datasets and managing existing ones, including complex data cleaning, variable matching and data merging;
To contribute to peer-reviewed publications;
To prepare materials for and, when required, present research outputs at policy and academic meetings;
To support the development of research protocols;
To provide quantitative capacity-building support to early career researchers;
To contribute in preparation of progress and final evaluation reports;
To promote the scientific morale at the NIMR Mwanza campus;
Report regularly to the PI on the progress of the research; and
To perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATION AND COMPETENCE:

A Doctorate degree (PhD) in a relevant social science discipline (Psychology, Epidemiology, Health Economics, Public health, Statistics);
Excellent data analysis and statistical skills working with longitudinal observational and intervention datasets;
Strong presentation skills (and experience sharing research findings effectively to policymakers as well as academic audiences);
A track record of excellent publications;
Excellent written and oral communication skills;
To work as part of a multidisciplinary research team; and
To perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

TERMS OF SERVICE: 3 YEARS.

DUTY STATION: NIMR Mwanza Centre in Mwanza Region.

TERMS OF SERVICE: One (1) year contract, which may be renewed on the basis of performance and mutual agreement.

DUTY STATION:

The successful candidate will be based at NIMR Mwanza Centre in Mwanza Region and regular study site visits in Shinyanga Region.

COMPENSATION:

A competitive salary will be offered as per project budget.

• Application letters should be written in English.
• Applicants should indicate three reputable referees with their reliable contacts.
• Applicants must attach their detailed relevant certified copies of academic certificates including form four and six certificates.
• Application letters should be attached with detailed curriculum vitae. (v) Closing date for applications is 11^th March 2022.