PhD studentship, IHD

PhD studentship

Department
Institute for Human Development

Entity
Aga Khan University

Location
Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, 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 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 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.

The Institute for Human Development (IHD) is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge with direct relevance for policies, programs, and practices that enhance life experiences at all stages of human development.  In its foundational years, the Institute seeks particularly to become a visible instrumental force, locally as well as globally, for advancing knowledge about the earliest years of children’s development and for harnessing such knowledge for the purpose of shaping policies and interventions that ensure a strong start in life for all children wherever they may live.

Job Summary

The AKILI project is a multi-site case-control study involving children and adolescents with ADHD. It entails collection of cognitive and behavioral characteristics of the participants using a vast array of tools. The study also collects saliva samples from which genetic analysis will be done. 
We are looking for highly motivated individual who is willing and able to work full-time on their PhD.  The PhD studentship will be hosted at the Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, with cross-supervision across departments.  The training will offer the incumbent an opportunity to carry out their PhD thesis in The Genetic Characterization of ADHD in Kenyan and South African populations (AKILI). 
The successful candidate will work with their supervisors to refine the topic areas and develop a full proposal within the first 3 months.  The studentship will provide a monthly stipend, tuition fees, conference attendance costs, and any other opportunities for capacity building as agreed upon with the supervisors.

Responsibilities
Preliminary work

• Conduct literature review.
• Develop PhD concept note.
• Develop a training and supervision plan.
• Contribute to the study’s protocol development.

Project coordination and implementation

• Coordinate the planning and implementation of the project’s community engagement activities.
• Contribute to the implementation of the specific research projects they will be attached. This includes but is not limited to:
• Mobilization, recruitment and consenting of study participants.
• Ensure readiness of data collection tools.
• Recruitment and training field enumerators.
• Support with planning and supervising data collection activities.
• Ensure adherence to ethical procedures
• Managing project payments and maintaining accurate records in compliance with departmental policies and procedures

Data Management

• Support with data management and analysis.
• Ensure proper documentation of all procedures and overall research process in coordination with data manager.
• Ensure proper storage of all records and data.
• Ensure appropriate back-up of data is in place. 
• Data analysis for qualitative and quantitative data

Capacity building activities

• Participate in specialized training programs, workshops, and seminars to develop advanced research skills.
• Gain experience in teaching, mentoring, and supervising junior students/researchers (e.g leading tutorials, facilitating courses, and supervising undergraduate research projects.

• Attend conferences, seminars, and other academic events to present research findings.

   

   

  
  Communication/Dissemination

• Work closely with PhD supervisors to ensure there is frequent communication through the appropriate channels.
• Support with planning and implementation of dissemination activities.
• Manuscripts write up in peer-reviewed journals.
• Support the scientific communication of research findings through mainstream journals, policy briefs, reports and conference presentation, media appearances and engagement of different stakeholders. 

Requirements

• A master’s degree in psychology, neurosciences, global mental health, statistics, public health, nursing, education, or any other allied field.  
• Strong statistical background.  
• Working knowledge of quantitative statistical software
• Strong written and oral communication skills that can be demonstrated through published peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations and community engagement.

Relevant Experience.

• Strong scientific writing skills. 
• Background in and experience in any areas of human development with a focus on children and adolescents. 
• Working knowledge of quantitative data analysis using statistical software.

Personal Characteristics 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills and a meticulous approach to documentation.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel extensively both locally and internationally for data collection, dissemination, and doctoral studies.