In this article, are you looking for the latest research job opportunities in Tanzania? The Tanzania Mental Health Institute (TMHI), in collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC), USA, has announced new Research Assistant vacancies for the KUPAA (Kuwezeshana Kupata Uzima) research project. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals interested in public health, mental health research, and community-based scientific studies.
The project aims to improve the quality of life of adults living with schizophrenia while reducing caregiver burden through family psychoeducation interventions in Tanzania.
About Tanzania Mental Health Institute (TMHI)
The Tanzania Mental Health Institute (TMHI) is a specialized institution dedicated to advancing mental health care, research, training, and treatment in Tanzania. Through collaborations with international partners such as the University of North Carolina (UNC), TMHI conducts research aimed at improving mental health services, generating evidence-based interventions, and strengthening healthcare systems across the country.
About the KUPAA Study
The KUPAA (Kuwezeshana Kupata Uzima) study, officially titled “Family Psychoeducation for Adults with Psychotic Disorders in Tanzania,” will be conducted in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, and Mbeya Regions.
The study seeks to:
- Reduce disability among adults living with schizophrenia.
- Improve participants’ quality of life.
- Reduce psychiatric hospitalisations.
- Decrease the caregiving burden experienced by family members.
Position Available
Research Assistant (3 Posts)
Employment Details
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Contract Duration: Six (6) months, renewable subject to funding.
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
- Reports To: Principal Investigator(s) and/or Study Coordinator
- Duty Station: Tanzania Mental Health Institute, Dodoma
Why Join TMHI?
Working as a Research Assistant on the KUPAA project offers an opportunity to:
- Participate in an internationally collaborative mental health research project.
- Gain practical experience in qualitative and quantitative health research.
- Work alongside experienced researchers and healthcare professionals.
- Develop expertise in clinical research, participant engagement, and data collection.
- Contribute to improving mental health services and outcomes in Tanzania.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Screening potential participants according to study inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- Documenting participant eligibility and maintaining secure enrollment records.
- Conducting informed consent procedures in accordance with study protocols.
- Administering questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews with patients and caregivers.
- Following all study procedures while maintaining confidentiality and participant privacy.
- Completing all required research certifications, including Human Subjects Protection and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
- Attending study trainings, team meetings, and weekly virtual meetings.
- Promoting ethical research conduct and reporting any research misconduct where necessary.
- Coordinating clinician-rated PANSS assessments with psychiatric clinic staff.
- Preparing, organizing, and maintaining study documentation, including:
- Consent forms
- Case Report Forms (CRFs)
- Participant registers
- Brochures
- Adverse event logs
- Regulatory files
- Assisting with qualitative coding, codebook development, data coding, and qualitative analysis.
- Supporting study management activities, including scheduling, protocol adherence, communication, activity planning, progress reporting, and IRB submissions.
- Performing other duties assigned by the study leadership.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should possess:
- Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields:
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Demography
- Other relevant disciplines.
- At least three (3) years of relevant work experience.
- Experience conducting both quantitative and qualitative research data collection.
- Experience in transcription and translation between English and Kiswahili.
- Previous participation in health-related research projects is an added advantage.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing cognitive decline or psychotic disorders.
- Knowledge of research governance, ethical principles, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams as well as independently.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Basic computer proficiency, including:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Internet applications.
- Fluency in both English and Kiswahili.
- Familiarity with REDCap software will be an added advantage.
- Familiarity with communities surrounding the study sites is desirable.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for professionals who:
- Have experience in health or social science research.
- Enjoy working directly with patients and caregivers.
- Are committed to ethical research practices.
- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Can work in clinical settings while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants should submit the following documents:
- Cover letter written in English explaining qualifications and motivation for joining the project.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including three referees and their contact information.
- Personal contact information, including postal address, telephone number, and email address.
- Photocopies of academic transcripts, academic certificates, and relevant training certificates.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via email to:
The Principal Investigator
Email: kupaa@mnmh.or.tz
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
16 August 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews at the Tanzania Mental Health Institute (TMHI), Dodoma.
Conclusion
The TMHI Research Assistant Vacancies 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for professionals passionate about mental health research and community health improvement. If you have the required qualifications and experience, submit your application before 16 August 2026 to become part of this important collaborative research initiative between TMHI and the University of North Carolina (UNC).
