Research Scientist (PhD student)

Reports To: Principal Investigator

Work Station: Zanzibar

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading research organization in Africa with a strong track record in developing, testing and validating innovations for health. Driven by a core strategic mandate for research, training and services, the Institute’s work now spans a wide spectrum, covering biomedical and ecological sciences, intervention studies, health-systems research, service delivery and policy translation.

Position Summary

Ifakara Health Institute seeks a qualified Research Scientist who will join as a PhD student to evaluate different interventions to reduce antibiotic prescription in primary care health facilities in Zanzibar. The interventions include a digital health CDSA, monthly antibiotic stewardship club meetings with healthcare providers, and implementation of CRP point-of-care tests.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Adapt a digital health clinical algorithm for primary care use in Tanzania.
• Support and coordinate two cluster RCTs, including study design, and implementation.
• Regularly visit primary care facilities to train, mentor, and support healthcare providers.
• Facilitate monthly antibiotic stewardship meetings to discuss challenges and solutions.
• Conduct qualitative research (interviews, focus group discussions).
• Perform statistical analyses of the RCT and analyze qualitative data.
• Publish at least three first-author peer-reviewed articles based on the PhD research.

Qualification and Experience

• Holds a medical degree (MBBS, MD, or equivalent).
• Possession of 1-2 first-author publications (pre-prints are acceptable).
• Experience in digital health tools and technologies.
• Experience managing research projects or clinical trials.
• An MSc in a similar field will be an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary, international team.
• Ability to coordinate with clinical experts and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (R, Python, or Stata).
• Fluent in English and Swahili languages (written and spoken).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in motorcycle operation (for field visits).
• Adhere to IHI core values (Integrity, Initiative, Equity, Excellence, Accountability).

Remuneration

An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates as per IHI salary scales.

Equal Opportunity

IHI is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit intentional biases or discrimination and harassment of any kind at the work place and during recruitment. All employment decisions are based solely on job requirements and individual qualifications, and our recruitment process is governed by the labour laws of Tanzania.

Mode of Application

All candidates who meet the above job requirements should send their application letters together with their detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) showing contact addresses including email, telephone/cell phone numbers and copies of academic and professional certificates to the email address below. The deadline for this application is 12:00hrs (EAT) on Monday, June 16th 2025. All email application subject lines should include: RESEARCH SCIENTIST PhD – MOCA. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

The Senior Human Resources and Administration Manager
IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE
Plot 463 Mikocheni
P.O. Box 78,373
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania