Description
Job Description: Research Scientist - Paul Farmer Collaborative Research Fund
Reports to: Director of Institute of Global Health Equity Research and Innovation
Location: University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Butaro campus with travels to Kigali, Rwanda
Position Summary:
The Institute of Global Health Equity Research (IGHER) is seeking a highly motivated research scientist to contribute to its mission of advancing global health equity through innovative research. The Research Scientist will lead and support clinical research and global health projects while dedicating 30% of his/her effort to the Paul Farmer Collaborative Research and Training initiative. This role is pivotal to achieving IGHERโs strategic objectives, particularly in advancing research and capacity building relevant to underserved populations and addressing global health challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, lead, and implement high-impact research projects focusing on global health equity challenges.
- Develop research proposals and secure external funding from international donors and agencies.
- Oversee data collection, analysis, and interpretation, ensuring adherence to the highest ethical and scientific standards.
- Support the development and execution of collaborative research projects and training programs aligned with the vision of the Paul Farmer Collaborative (30%).
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building activities with local and international partners.
- Contribute to mentorship programs for junior researchers and trainees under the Paul Farmer Collaborative initiative.
- Teach both undergraduate medical students and masters students in global health delivery programs
- Conduct interdisciplinary research addressing major global health issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and strengthening health systems.
- Collaborate with national, regional, and global stakeholders to ensure research aligns with priority health needs.
- Mentor and supervise junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students.
- Contribute to building local capacity in research through training programs, workshops, and knowledge transfer.
- Foster strategic collaborations with academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to strengthen IGHERโs research portfolio.
- Represent IGHER at national and international scientific meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums.
- Disseminate research findings through high-impact publications, policy briefs, and presentations to inform public health policies and practices.
- Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to translate research evidence into actionable recommendations for global health equity.
- Contribute to the development of research protocols, ethics submissions, and project reports.
- Support IGHERโs strategic goals by engaging in institutional planning and participating in governance activities as needed.
Qualifications and Experience
- A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., global health, epidemiology, public health, or related discipline) and/or an MD with extensive clinical research training. Dual MD/PhD qualifications are highly desirable.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in research and training, with a focus on global health.
- Proven track record of securing external funding and managing research projects.
- Experience in publishing high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and lead collaborative research initiatives.
- Experience in mentoring and capacity building, particularly in low-resource settings.
- Advanced knowledge of research methodologies, biostatistics, and data management.
- Excellent leadership and project management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in research dissemination and stakeholder engagement.
- Commitment to advancing health equity and addressing the needs of underserved populations.
- Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments.
- Adaptability and resilience in high-pressure research environments.
Key Deliverables
- Development and submission of research proposals and grant applications.
- Completion of high-quality research studies and publications.
- Mentorship and professional development of junior researchers and trainees.
- Strategic partnerships established to advance IGHERโs research priorities.
- Active contribution to Paul Farmer Collaborative Research and Training initiatives.
- Translation of research findings into impactful health policies and programs.
How to Apply:
Applicants should provide: (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter detailing interest and aptitude for the position, (3) names and contact information of three professional references who can attest to work experience, and (4) copies of all degrees earned. Please upload your cover letter and copies of degrees as a single PDF file under \"Additional Files\" on the application page.
University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Organizational Profile
UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.
UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the worldโs most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu BuzimaโPIHโs sister organizationโand our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.
Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.
Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:
At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members โ as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHEโs policy.
UGHE will request information from applicantsโ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.