Job Summary

Position: Research Scientist – (1 post)

Reports To: Principal Investigator

Work Station: Dar es Salaam

Apply By: October 2, 2024

Institute Overview

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading research organization in Africa with a strong track record in developing, testing and validating innovations for health. Driven by a core strategic mandate for research, training and services, the Institute’s work now spans a wide spectrum, covering biomedical and ecological sciences, intervention studies, health-systems research, service delivery and policy translation.

Position Summary

Ifakara Health Institute seeks a qualified and experienced Research Scientist. The Research Scientist will play a pivotal role in advancing cardiovascular and other related NCDs and infectious diseases research at IHI through Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI). This position involves coordinating and managing donor-funded research projects, writing grant and research proposals, training medical professionals and junior researchers, conducting data analysis, and strengthening collaborations with local and international research institutions. The Research Scientist will also be responsible for preparing registries, quarterly reports, and supporting the institute in securing partners and donors for ongoing and future research projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordination of Donor-Funded Projects:
Oversee the coordination and implementation of donor-funded research projects.
Ensure project activities align with donor requirements and institutional objectives.
Act as the primary point of contact for donors, providing regular updates and reports.
Proposal Writing:
Develop and draft grant proposals and research proposals for upcoming grant applications.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to identify funding opportunities and create competitive proposals.
Ensure all proposals meet the strategic goals of JKCI and adhere to funding guidelines.
Training and Mentorship:
Train and mentor medical doctors, junior researchers, and other healthcare professionals in research methodology and scientific writing.
Conduct workshops and seminars to enhance the research capacity within the institute.
Data Analysis:
Perform statistical analysis and interpret data from various research projects.
Ensure the accuracy and integrity of data collected in ongoing studies.
Collaborate with research teams to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Cardiovascular Research and other NCDs and related infectious diseases:
Lead and participate in research studies focused on cardiovascular diseases, with a particular emphasis on conditions prevalent in the region.
Design and implement research protocols in collaboration with other scientists and clinicians.
Registry Preparation:
Prepare and maintain comprehensive registries for ongoing research projects.
Ensure registries are up-to-date and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Quarterly Reporting:
Prepare detailed quarterly reports for the institute’s board, summarizing research activities, progress, and outcomes.
Present findings and updates to stakeholders during board meetings and other relevant forums.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
Strengthen existing collaborations between JKCI and other institutions, such as the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI).
Identify and establish new partnerships with local and international research organizations.
Facilitate joint research initiatives and share knowledge and resources with partners.
Partner and Donor Relations:
Assist in identifying and securing new partners, donors, and funders for research projects.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential funding bodies.
Work closely with the grant officer to ensure successful grant management and reporting.
Qualification and Experience

A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or any other related field.
Prior experience in research.
Skills and Competencies

Intermediate computer skills.
Basic skills in statistical analysis.
Basic skills on using R or Python software for data analysis.
Strong interpersonal skills for guiding and supporting junior staff.
Knowledge of cardiovascular and NCD research.
Remuneration

An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates as per IHI salary scales.

Equal Opportunity

IHI is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit intentional biases or discrimination and harassment of any kind at the work place and during recruitment. All employment decisions are based solely on job requirements and individual qualifications, and our recruitment process is governed by the labour laws of Tanzania.