The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiologic al research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to fill the following position:
Social Science Research Assistant (01 Position)
Position Code: SSRA -820
Reports to: Project Leader
Station: Masaka with travels to Entebbe
Duration: 6 Months
Job Purpose:
This position is for a social scientist research assistant in a mixed-methods observational study to assess the feasibility of conducting COVID-19 vaccine trials among healthcare workers in Uganda (COVAP). The position holder will collect accurate data under standard ethical procedures for field studies through the conduct of participant interviews. .

Roles & Responsibilities
• Supervise and assist with administering of Socio-behavioral data collection instruments in the study.
• Ensure non-biased, consistent, complete and accurate data collection across all study participants.
• Supervise and assist with interviewing study participants and conducting in-depth interviews.
• Coordinate the translation and transcription of interviews.
• Respond to data queries.
• Translation of study documents.
• Undertakes any other duties as may be assigned by Supervisor.

Person Specification
• Bachelor’s degree in Social sciences or related.
• Certificate in health education/health promotion, GCP, counselling, research methods are an added advantage.
• At least 2 years’ experience carrying out similar work in a medical research setting, preferably including experience in social and behavioural science research.
• Prior interviewing and facilitation experience is desired.
• In depth knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19, especially on prevention and symptomatology.
• Comfortable with discussing topics related to COVID-19 on an individual as well as a group level.
• Basic knowledge on design of qualitative research tools, data collection, handling and reporting.
• Experience in supervision and training of members of a team, including ability to motivate and mentor, maintain positive interpersonal relationships is an added advantage.
• Good presentational skills.
• Highly motivated and team oriented, but also able to work independently.
• Good command of both English and Luganda.
• User knowledge in computer applications.