Research Assistant (4 Positions) – KCMC University

Institution: KCMC University
Department: Psychiatry and Mental Health
Position: Research Assistants (RA)
Number of Positions: 4
Employment Type: Full-time, 6 months (renewable)
Start Date: September 2026
Location: KCMC University, Tanzania
Project: KUPAA – KUwezeshana KuPAta UzimA
Application Period: Within 14 days of the announcement

About the Project

The Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at KCMC University, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC), USA, is conducting a study titled “Family Psychoeducation for Adults with Psychotic Disorders in Tanzania”, branded in Swahili as KUPAA (KUwezeshana KuPAta UzimA).

The study will be conducted in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya regions.

The project aims to reduce disability, improve quality of life and reduce hospitalisations among adults living with schizophrenia, while also reducing the burden on family caregivers.

Job Overview

Research Assistants will support participant recruitment and qualitative and quantitative data collection at designated hospital psychiatry clinics.

The RAs will work closely with psychiatry clinic staff, clinicians, patients and caregivers to ensure ethical, accurate and participant-centred research procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Screen potential participants according to study inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Document eligibility decisions and enrolled participants while safeguarding sensitive information.
• Conduct informed consent processes and answer participant questions.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and administer surveys to patients and caregivers.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the KUPAA study protocol, procedures, timelines and confidentiality requirements.
• Complete required research training and certifications, including human subjects protection and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Attend study training, team meetings and weekly study-team Zoom meetings.
• Promote ethical research conduct and report suspected misconduct appropriately.
• Coordinate scheduling of clinician-rated PANSS assessments with qualified clinical staff.
• Prepare and maintain consent forms, brochures, case report forms, registers and adverse-event logs.
• Maintain organised regulatory binders and source documents.
• Assist with qualitative codebook development, coding and data analysis.
• Contribute to IRB submissions, activity plans and progress reports.
• Support day-to-day study management, scheduling, communication and protocol adherence.
• Perform other duties assigned by the study team.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Counselling Psychology, Social Work, Sociology/Demography, or another relevant field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Previous experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Experience with REDCap is an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to communicate sensitively with patients and caregivers.
• Experience with transcription and translation between English and Swahili.
• Previous health-related research experience is an advantage.
• Ability to work confidently with individuals experiencing cognitive decline or psychotic symptoms.
• Working knowledge of research governance, human subjects protection and GCP.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently when required.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and internet.
• Proficiency in English and Swahili.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

1. Cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the KUPAA project, written in English.
2. Curriculum Vitae, including three referees and their contact information.
3. Applicant’s address, telephone number and email address.
4. Copies of relevant training certificates.

Application Deadline

Applications should be submitted within 14 days of the posting of the announcement.

How to Apply

Complete applications should be sent to:

Site Principal Investigator:
kim.madundo@kcmcu.ac.tz

Project Coordinator:
kupaa2026.project@gmail.com

All correspondence should be addressed to the Vice Chancellor, KCMC University.

Important Information

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• The KUPAA project will not cover transportation or communication costs related to interviews.
• The position is initially for 6 months and is renewable.
• The successful candidates will support research activities involving patients and caregivers in psychiatry clinics across designated study regions.

KCMC University Contact:
P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania
Telephone: +255-027-2753616
Email: info@kcmcu.ac.tz
KCMC University Website