The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) aims to recruit two experienced clinical research assistants to conduct research as part of the Psychosis Recovery Orientation in Malawi by Improving Services and Engagement (PROMISE) study.

PROMISE is a collaboration led by the University of Edinburgh in close collaboration with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), St John of God, and the Malawi Ministry of Health.

PROMISE is a 5-year Wellcome-funded study that seeks to understand, address and improve the mental health of people living in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Malawi. The project aims to work with people living with psychosis, local community members, health care providers and healthcare leaders to build on existing health services and initiatives to develop acceptable and sustainable psychosis detection systems and management pathways to improve awareness and health outcomes of people living with psychosis. The study will be conducted in southern and central Malawi.

These post-holders will initially work under the direct supervision of Dr Lucinda Manda Taylor in the Department of Health Systems, School of Global and Public Health. They will also work closely with the psychologists and psychiatrists in the PROMISE team, including Dr Demby Kokota, Dr Jennifer Ahrens, Dr Olive Liwimbi and Dr Kazione Kuliseva in Malawi, and Prof Charlotte Hanlon at the University of Edinburgh.

Responsibilities or duties

The post-holders will support the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data in Maganga and Khombeza health centres in Salima. The RAs will be trained to recruit and screen people for possible psychosis with a structured diagnostic interview and standardised outcome measures. The post-holders will also be involved in collecting 6- and 12-month data from the recruited participants. Additionally, they will also conduct qualitative investigations with Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), Primary Healthcare Workers (PHCWs), Mental health users and their carers and other PROMISE stakeholders.

The appointees will be expected to take primary responsibility for participant engagement, recruitment activities and interviews. The appointees will communicate closely with study team leads.

Qualifications or requirements 

• A Bachelors degree in mental health, psychology, psychiatry or a similar discipline.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent spoken and written English, Chichewa and Chitumbuka.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with great attention to detail.

Experience needed

• Experience of working in mental health as a clinician (Clinical officer/ nurse/ medical officer).
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research, preferably including both interviews and the use of standardised scales.
• Experience in managing fieldwork and a research project.
• Experience conducting health or social care-related research on sensitive subjects.
• Sensitivity – developed through research experience – to cultural differences.
• Ability to undertake research of a sensitive nature.
• Ability to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds, including policymakers and community members.
• Ability to work in resource-constrained settings and efficient use of resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for a research career.
• Commitment and willingness to promote high-quality social science, ethical research practice and community engagement with research in Malawi.

• Integrating closely with team members to develop a thorough understanding of relevant study procedures and processes.
• Taking responsibility for participant engagement and recruitment activities.
• Supporting focus group discussions and interviews, working in collaboration with the investigators to ensure smooth conduct, reflection and improvement.
• Helping to coordinate and arrange transcription and translation and ensure high quality, including undertaking some transcription and translation.
• Conducting standardized interviews and assessments.
• Training and supporting HSAs in the use of a psychosis detection and management manual.
• Ensuring data security, including confidentiality and safe backup.
• Ensuring ethical conduct of research and support ethics governance, including documenting informed consent, and organising the protocol study file.
• Contribute to dissemination, knowledge exchange and public engagement activities as part of the research team.
• Data analysis, including coding and potential involvement in writing academic articles.
• Taking responsibility for organisational, budgetary and logistical tasks.
• Monitoring and communicating progress, maintaining workplan and ensuring timely completion of tasks.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent spoken and written English, Chichewa and Chitumbuka.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work in resource-constrained settings and efficient use of resources.

• A Bachelors degree in mental health, psychology, psychiatry or a similar discipline.
• Experience of working in mental health as a clinician (Clinical officer/ nurse/ medical officer).
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research, preferably including both interviews and the use of standardised scales.
• Experience in managing fieldwork and a research project.
• Experience conducting health or social care-related research on sensitive subjects.
• Sensitivity – developed through research experience – to cultural differences.
• Ability to undertake research of a sensitive nature.
• Ability to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds, including policymakers and community members.
• Demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for a research career.
• Commitment and willingness to promote high-quality social science, ethical research practice and community engagement with research in Malawi.