Research Specialist, Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Introduction

Chartered in , Aga Khan University (AKU, is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network ( AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2, students and 14, staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access.

About AKU Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa (CoEWCH EA) is an independent research entity in the Aga Khan University. The Centre conducts research on issues of relevance in developing countries targeting population and public health, health systems strengthening, quality of health care, education and research in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) to improve the health and wellbeing of women, adolescents, and children. CoEWCH EA is also involved in capacity building for research.

Job Summary

This position is required to provide planning, coordination and implementation of research activities for the AIMIX research project as well as supervision of research staff for the project. The AIMIX project (Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Accessible Medical Imaging Across Resource-Limited Settings) is a research project that aims to develop artificial intelligence aided pregnancy screening using low-cost fetal ultrasound. The study is being conducted as a collaboration between the Aga Khan University, The Kilifi County Department of Health, University of Barcelona and other institutions.

The clinical component of the AIMIX study will involve recruitment of research participants for a series of ultrasound studies using standard and low cost ultrasound devices. Participants will also be followed up to assess pregnancy outcomes. The study will also involve extraction of ultrasound images and clinical data from hospital databases for use in the study.

The Research Specialist will also be expected to contribute scientifically to the research with a focus on social behavioral research alongside the clinical aspects of the project. This component of the study is expected to improve the project as well as to contribute academic outputs towards a PhD thesis and qualification.

The position is based at the study research sites - public health facilities in Kilifi county. The role will include local travel to other study sites (Aga Khan University, Nairobi) as well as international travel to partnering institutions.

Responsibilities

Study / Project Coordination Facilitate the planning process for study, launch and implementation in liaison with the project team Coordinate the implementation of research activities under the supervision of the PI. This will entail but not be limited to: Mobilization, recruitment and consenting of study participants, while working closely with the relevant government officials and community representatives at the study sites Recruitment and Training Support recruitment of data collectors & other members of the research team Training of data collectors and other members of the research team in: Informed consent, data collection, administration of study tools, performance of study clinical procedures and follow-up of participants Assess performance of staff and perform refresher training when needed Data Management Together with the data manager: oversee data collection activities and ensure appropriate, complete and timely entry of data that is of good quality Reporting Prepare study technical reports as agreed by the Principal investigator â Ensure these are done in good time and with input from other team members Ensure reporting procedures (Technical and financial) are adhered to Administrative Roles Ensure good management of study supplies and consumables: timely procurement and inventory management with complete documentation Oversee use, care and storage of study equipment to prevent damage and loss Ensure appropriate transport arrangements when needed A Masterâs degree in any field relevant to the study areas, including Sociology, Anthropology A medical or public health background will be an added advantage Interest and aptitude to pursue doctoral level training Experience coordinating a health research project Experience supervising Research Assistants for data collection and other research activities particularly for qualitative data collection Experience and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data collection, collation and analysis Knowledge and experience in current qualitative data analysis programs and tools Experience in report writing for qualitative research findings Theoretical knowledge and experience in designing and conducting qualitative research. Demonstrated practical experience and familiarity with conducting literature reviews