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, epidemiological 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: SSRAK -920
Reports to: Scientist B
Station: Kyamulibwa
Duration: 1 year, renewal based on performance and availability of funds
Job Purpose:
This position is for a social scientist research assistant in a community surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) using a combination of clinic and household surveys. The hired individual will collect accurate data under standard ethical procedures for among individuals with and without symptoms in two communities in Kalungu District: the truck-stop at Lukaya town (considered a “high-risk” environment) and in the rural General Population Cohort through rigorous in-depth interviews and small group discussions. The social science component of the study will assess the public understanding of COVID-19, with a view to designing appropriate intervention strategies to limit spread of infection. The position is responsible for planning and collecting qualitative investigation among GPC cohort members, community members in Lukaya communities and other stake holders in engaged in COVID 19 responses.

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 rigorous in-depth interviews and small group discussions;
• Coordinate the translation and transcription of interviews;
• Respond to data queries and contribute to data analysis;
• Translation of study documents; and,
• 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 3 years’ experience in a clinical research setting, preferably including experience in social and behavioural science research and participants;
• 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;
• Prior interviewing and facilitation experience;
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Good command of both English and Luganda

Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.
Deadline for application is 12th October 2020, 5:00pm Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification.
The applications should be addressed to:

The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49,
Entebbe, Uganda.

Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure.

The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.
MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda research Unit is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.