Research Assistant (RA) at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) | Fursa

Job Description

The Research Assistant will support participant recruitment, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and day-to-day research activities at designated psychiatry clinics for the KUPAA study, which aims to reduce disability, improve quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations among adults living with schizophrenia, while also reducing caregiver burden. The role involves working closely with clinicians, patients, caregivers, and research teams to ensure ethical and accurate study implementation.

Responsibilities

Screen potential study participants based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and maintain accurate eligibility records while protecting confidential information.
Conduct informed consent procedures, explain study details to participants, answer questions, and obtain required documentation.
Conduct interviews and administer surveys to patients and caregivers according to study protocols.
Maintain knowledge of study procedures, timelines, confidentiality requirements, and research ethics standards.
Complete required research training, including human subjects protection and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.
Participate in study meetings, training sessions, and weekly research team meetings.
Promote ethical research practices and report any suspected misconduct.
Coordinate scheduling of clinical assessments with qualified healthcare professionals.
Maintain accurate research documentation, including: Consent forms, Case Report Forms (CRFs), Registers, Brochures, Adverse event logs, Regulatory documents.
Support qualitative data activities including: Codebook development, Data coding, Transcription review, Data analysis activities.
Assist with study management activities including planning, reporting, scheduling, and team coordination.
Perform other duties assigned by the research team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Sociology/Demography, or any other relevant field.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a related field.
Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection.
Previous involvement in health-related research projects is an added advantage.
Experience with REDCap software is an advantage but not mandatory.
Ability to conduct interviews and communicate sensitively with patients and caregivers.
Experience in transcription and translation between English and Swahili.
Understanding of research ethics, human subjects protection, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email and internet applications.
Fluency in both English and Swahili.
Familiarity with study site communities is an advantage.
Excellent communication skills
Active listening skills
Research data collection skills
Confidentiality and ethical conduct
Time management
Teamwork and collaboration
Ability to work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges

Required Skills & Tools

Clinical ResearchResearch EthicsGCPData CollectionInterviewsSurveysREDCapQualitative AnalysisQuantitative AnalysisTranscriptionMicrosoft ExcelConfidentialityPatient Communication

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About the Employer

Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Higher Education

ABOUT MUHAS Muhimbili University of Health & Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is the premier Institution of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. The University enjoys the reputation of being the oldest and largest public University training health professionals in the country. Founded in 1963 as the Dar es Salaam School of Medicine, the School evolved to the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) in 1991 and then grew into a fully accredited University in 2007. MUHAS has two campuses; Muhimbili Campus and Mloganzila Campus. Muhimbili Campus is situated in Ilala Municipality, in Upanga along United Nations Road. Mloganzila Campus is still new and in the process of development. It occupies 3,800 acres and is located 3 km off Dar es Salaam-Mbeya highway, 25 km from Dar es Salaam. VISION A university excelling in quality training of health professionals, research and public service with a conducive learning and working environment MISSION To provide quality training, research and services in health and related fields for attainment of equitable socio-economic development of the Tanzanian community and beyond. ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES MUHAS has a wide range of academic programmes coupled with the best academic staff profiles in the field of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. The University gives high priority to quality course development, delivery and successful outcomes for graduates. Currently MUHAS has 101 programmes in basic, clinical and allied health sciences. Out of these programmes 3 are diploma courses, 1 advanced diploma, 13 undergraduate Degree, 82 Postgraduate Degrees and PhD programmes offered in all five schools and one Institute. RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY MUHAS plays a big role in the creation and generation of knowledge through carrying out health research in the country. The University is equipped with modern research facilities including research laboratories equipment, access to information communication technology and library service

Research Assistant (RA)