Research Assistant

Role Overview

Support the delivery of a research study by recruiting and screening potential participants, obtaining informed consent, and collecting accurate quantitative and qualitative data. The role also helps protect participants’ rights and privacy while keeping study records, field reports, and research activities aligned with the approved protocol and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Explain the study to prospective participants, assess eligibility against approved criteria, and describe its purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and participation expectations.
• Assess participants’ ability to consent, obtain informed consent or assent as appropriate, and complete the required documentation.
• Administer questionnaires and psychological assessments, collect participant information, and enter and check data using secure electronic tools such as REDCap.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions in accordance with the study protocol and standard operating procedures.
• Keep participant files and study records complete, current, confidential, and securely stored.
• Document study activities, field experiences, implementation challenges, lessons learned, and potential responses to issues encountered.
• Prepare scheduled field updates, including monthly and semi-annual reports.
• Contribute to monitoring and quality assurance, helping ensure compliance with study protocols, ethical standards, operating procedures, and institutional requirements.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma in Nursing, Psychology, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Community Health, or a related discipline from a recognised institution.
• Demonstrated experience collecting both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and practical experience using digital devices and electronic data collection systems such as REDCap.
• Working knowledge of ethical research practices, including consent, confidentiality, data protection, and basic data quality checks.
• Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively with participants and colleagues.
• Ability to manage tasks independently, meet deadlines, and handle sensitive information with integrity and professionalism.
• Experience in mental health research or working with vulnerable populations is an advantage.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or Human Subjects Protection (HSP) certification is highly desirable.
• For the Turkana-based position, willingness to work in Turkana and familiarity with the local cultural context are required.