Research Assistant (RA) – 2 Positions

Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

KUPAA Study – Family Psychoeducation for Adults with Psychotic Disorders in Tanzania

Job Overview

The Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), in collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC), USA, invites applications for two (2) Research Assistant positions for the KUPAA study (Kuwezeshana Kupata Uzima).

The study aims to reduce disability, improve quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations among adults living with schizophrenia, while also reducing caregiver burden.

Job Title

Research Assistant (RA)

Number of Positions

Two (2)

Contract Duration

Full-time contract for 6 months (renewable)

Start Date

September 2026

Location

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Reports To

Principal Investigator(s) and/or Study Coordinator

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Job Purpose

The Research Assistant will support participant recruitment, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and day-to-day research activities at designated psychiatry clinics. The role involves working closely with clinicians, patients, caregivers, and research teams to ensure ethical and accurate study implementation.

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Key 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.

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Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
  • Public Health
  • Nursing
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Sociology/Demography
  • 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.

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Required Skills

• 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

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Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter explaining:
   • Applicant’s background and qualifications
   • Reasons for interest in the KUPAA project
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including:
   • Three references
   • Contact information for referees
3. Applicant contact details:
   • Physical address
   • Phone number
   • Email address
4. Copies of relevant training certificates.

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Application Deadline

20th August 2026

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Application Submission Address

Applications should be sent to:

The Principal Investigator
Email: muhaskupaa@gmail.com

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Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews at MUHAS. Applicants will be responsible for their own travel costs related to interviews.