Research Scientist at eHealth Systems Africa

Within every clinic location, EHA Clinics simultaneously implements a Community Health Program which utilizes an innovative financing mechanism to promote universal health coverage and access for the low-income, uninsured and underserved population through a low-cost, pro-poor prepayment scheme.  These programs form the basis of care EHA Clinics provide, catering to different cadres of the population based on economic profiles.

Summary of Job:  The Research Scientist will work under the supervision of the Associate Manager, Lab. S/he will rotate between the molecular laboratory and the research laboratory. The research scientist should have good knowledge and experience in research technologies, techniques, and methodologies. The ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and with engineers/applied scientists is a must. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to supervise students required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

Core Responsibilities  

• Screen suitability of calls for proposals.

• Desk literature review to prepare background material for research proposals and studies.

• Identify suitable data collection and data analysis strategies for research proposals based on literature review.

• Learn and apply identified data cleaning and analysis techniques using the programming languages R and Stata.

• Meet with funders and investigators to prepare research proposals.

• Prepare Ethics Review Board and other applicable applications.

• Recruit and supervise research interns.

• Regularly create social media posts and stories to increase the visibility of the department in the local and professional community.

• Provide some input to grant applications and RFPs and submit them on time.

• Conduct outreach activities at universities and other suitable organizations to solicit new projects and staff.

• Work closely with intramural and extramural colleagues to identify new research topics and funding opportunities.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Other Responsibilities:

• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures.

• Adhere to EHA Clinics code of conduct as well as ethical standards of the field.

Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to successfully perform this job.

• A Master’s degree or PhD in public health, epidemiology, biological science or a similar field from a reputable university in Nigeria.

• A minimum of 1 year of outstanding work experience as a research intern or support staff in a nationally recognized organization is essential. Demonstrable proof of such experience is required prior to any interviews.

• At least one peer-reviewed publication in a scientific journal.

• Proficiency in a statistical analysis software such as R.

• Strong computer skills, including Google Suite are desirable.

• Good documentation and analytical skills.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time as required.

Professional Development

• EHA Clinics requires all staff to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

• S/he is expected to continue to learn throughout their career at EHA Clinics through continuing professional development (CPD). The professional body relating to specialist areas will have information on the type of CPD to be carried out and how much should be completed each year. 

Key Skills and Attributes: 

• Must have exceptional analytical skills.

• Must be highly observant and detail-oriented.

• Must have excellent computer and technology skills and knowledge of genetic software.

• Must have superior problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Excellent critical thinking skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Must have the ability to effectively train subordinates.

• The ability to monitor and control resources.

• Strong time management skills.

Salary: 

Competitive

Other Benefits

The following benefits are available with this offer of employment:

Health Insurance: EHA Clinics will cover medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, and up to two dependents. Further details are contained in the Nigeria Addendum to the EHA Clinics Employee Handbook.  

Group Life Assurance: EHA Clinics provides life insurance for you as our employee. This insurance is payable in the event of your death. The effective date of coverage will be upon successful completion of your probationary period.

Group & Personal Accident: EHA Clinics provides Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (ADD) for you as our employee. AD&D covers death by accidental means (rather than natural causes) and dismemberment. The effective date of coverage is your hire date.

Pension: EHA Clinics supports employee retirement preparation and investment by paying a 10% pension contribution on top of the statutory pension contribution of 8% that is already factored into your salary.

Annual Leave: You are entitled to 21 days paid annual leave accrued at 1.75 days/month. Employees may begin scheduling leave with their direct supervisor upon successful completion of their probationary period.