KCMC University Research Assistant Jobs 2026 – 4 Vacancies

KCMC University, through the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC), USA, is inviting applications for four (4) Research Assistant positions under the KUPAA research study.

The study, titled “Family Psychoeducation for Adults with Psychotic Disorders in Tanzania”, is designed to reduce disability, improve quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations among adults living with schizophrenia while also reducing the burden experienced by their caregivers.

Job Overview

Institution: KCMC University
Department: Psychiatry and Mental Health
Position: Research Assistant (RA)
Number of Vacancies: 4
Employment Type: Full-Time
Contract: 6 months, renewable
Start Date: September 2026
Study: KUPAA – KUwezeshana KuPAta UzimA
Study Locations: Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, and Mbeya
Reports To: Principal Investigator(s) and/or Study Coordinator

About the KUPAA Study

The KUPAA study is being conducted by KCMC University’s Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in collaboration with the University of North Carolina in the United States.

The Research Assistants will support participant recruitment and qualitative and quantitative data collection at designated hospital psychiatry clinics. They will work closely with clinicians, psychiatry clinic staff, patients, and caregivers while ensuring that all research activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with the approved study protocol.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Assistants will be responsible for the following:

Participant Recruitment and Screening

• Screen potential participants against the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Document eligibility decisions and enrolled participants in the appropriate study registers.
• Safeguard participant information and sensitive research data.
• Conduct participant recruitment in accordance with the approved study protocol.

Informed Consent

• Conduct in-person informed consent procedures with eligible participants.
• Explain study information clearly and sensitively.
• Give participants sufficient time to review study information and ask questions.
• Obtain required signatures and dates in accordance with the study’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect participants’ privacy throughout the consent process.

Data Collection

• Conduct in-depth interviews with patients and caregivers.
• Administer quantitative surveys according to the study protocol.
• Collect accurate and complete research data.
• Participate in both qualitative and quantitative data collection activities.
• Assist with transcription and translation between English and Kiswahili where required.

Study Protocol and Research Training

• Develop a thorough understanding of the KUPAA study protocol.
• Follow study procedures, timelines, eligibility requirements, and confidentiality provisions.
• Complete all required research training and certifications.
• Participate in training related to human subjects protection and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Comply with applicable Tanzania and United States research regulations and institutional requirements.
• Attend study meetings and weekly Zoom study team meetings.
• Promote ethical research conduct and report suspected misconduct in good faith.

Clinical Assessment Coordination

• Coordinate scheduling of the clinician-rated PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) assessment with qualified clinical staff.
• Work with psychiatrists with MMed qualifications and clinical psychologists with MSc qualifications.
• Where possible, coordinate PANSS assessments within the same week as other study assessments.

Research Documentation

• Prepare and maintain study materials and documentation.
• Maintain consent forms, participant brochures, case report forms, registers, and adverse event logs.
• Cross-check research documents to ensure they are completed accurately and on time.
• Keep regulatory binders and source documents properly organized.
• Ensure study records remain accurate, complete, and confidential.

Qualitative Data Analysis

• Assist with development of qualitative research codebooks.
• Support establishment of agreement between research coders.
• Participate in refining the codebook.
• Assist with qualitative data coding and analysis.

Study Management

• Contribute to the day-to-day management of the study.
• Support teamwork, communication, scheduling, and problem-solving.
• Ensure continued adherence to the approved study protocol.
• Assist with Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions.
• Support preparation of activity plans and progress reports.
• Perform other study-related duties assigned by the research team.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Counselling Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Demography, or another relevant field.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Previous experience conducting both quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Experience with REDCap is an added advantage but is not mandatory.
• Experience with transcription and translation between English and Kiswahili.
• Previous involvement in health-related research is an added advantage.
• Working knowledge of research governance principles and human subjects protection.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to explain information clearly and sensitively to patients and caregivers.
• Ability to work comfortably with individuals who may have cognitive decline or psychotic symptoms.
• Experience working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaboration with the wider research team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work a flexible schedule aligned with clinic operating days.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and internet use.
• Proficiency in English and Kiswahili.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is suitable for experienced graduates in public health, nursing, psychology, social work, sociology, demography, and related disciplines who have practical research and data-collection experience.

Candidates should be comfortable interacting respectfully with patients and caregivers and should understand the importance of confidentiality, informed consent, ethical research, and accurate data collection.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter in English describing their qualifications and interest in the KUPAA project.
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) including three professional references and their contact information.
3. Applicant’s contact information, including address, telephone number, and email address.
4. Copies of relevant training certificates.

How to Apply

Complete applications should be sent by email to both:

Site Principal Investigator:
kim.madundo@kcmcu.ac.tz

Project Coordinator:
kupaa2026.project@gmail.com

Applicants should ensure that their application documents are complete before submission.

Application Deadline

Applications should be submitted within 14 days after the posting of the announcement.

The position is scheduled to commence in September 2026, with an initial six-month full-time contract that is renewable.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. The KUPAA project will not cover transportation or communication costs associated with attending interviews.