Senior Research Scientist (Social Scientist)

Role Overview

This position sits within a research team focused on understanding the social and behavioural dimensions of clinical studies, particularly around vaccine acceptance and trial participation. Day to day, the role involves designing qualitative studies, running interviews and group discussions with community members, and turning those insights into actionable recommendations that help the trial run smoothly and ethically. The work is essential because it ensures that study protocols are grounded in real community perspectives, which in turn helps improve participant recruitment, retention, and trust in the research process.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute qualitative and mixed-methods data collection activities that align with the overarching clinical study protocol and research objectives.
• Build and refine data collection instruments such as interview scripts, survey questionnaires, focus group topic guides, and structured observation tools.
• Facilitate in-depth interviews, focus groups, and community consultations with participants, caregivers, and key stakeholders, ensuring that sessions are conducted sensitively and ethically.
• Investigate social and behavioural drivers that influence vaccine uptake, willingness to join trials, and continued participation, then translate these findings into practical recommendations for the study team.
• Track and document participant experiences, flagging any cultural, ethical, or social concerns that could affect study implementation or data quality.
• Manage qualitative and mixed-methods data through systematic coding, analysis, and interpretation using specialised software such as NVivo, while maintaining rigorous and transparent analytical processes.
• Draft technical reports, policy briefs, manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and presentation materials that communicate study findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Support the professional growth of junior researchers and field staff by providing guidance on qualitative methods, community engagement, and ethical practice.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Mandatory: a Master's degree in social sciences, sociology, anthropology, psychology, community development, public health, or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution.
• Mandatory: a Bachelor's degree in one of the aforementioned fields, also from a recognised institution.
• Proven hands-on experience in designing and executing qualitative and mixed-methods research, demonstrated through prior work in academic, public health, or field research settings.
• Mandatory experience in community engagement, participant recruitment, and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong competence with qualitative data analysis software, particularly NVivo, and familiarity with structured data management procedures.
• Firm understanding of ethical research conduct, including obtaining informed consent and safeguarding participant confidentiality.
• Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Human Subjects Protection (HSP) is highly desirable.
• Experience in vaccine research, infectious diseases, HIV programmes, or neglected tropical diseases is an added advantage.
• Well-developed organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.