Project: Establishing central research capacity within Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh

Project overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced team of researchers to support our Velux- funded project on establishing central research capacity within Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS).

The project is based at NNJS Central Office and across 9 NNJS tertiary eye hospitals over 4 years and is funded by the Velux Stiftung. The project is being led jointly by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK and Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS).

Project summary

We aim to establish a small multidisciplinary team in central NNJS, to systematically strengthen our research capacity. This will include an ophthalmologist with research and public health training,  epidemiologist/statistician, data manager and health economist. We will draw on technical support from the International Centre for Eye Health, for training and mentorship. We will work with nine NNJS eye hospitals to provide methods training in evidence synthesis, study design and analysis. We will analyse our large existing unexplored data sets. During the four years we will develop several research projects within the hospital network, leveraging existing infrastructure and personnel to support data collection, addressing high-priority questions.

Aims

The overall goal of this project is to strengthen the capacity of NNJS to implement, manage and sustain research throughout the NNJS Network.

Objectives

• Our overall goal will be achieved through delivery of the following objectives structured in five phases:
• Establish capability centrally to support research projects across the NNJS Network.
• Establish a research network across NNJS hospitals.
• Develop research skills in priority areas among the research team members.
• Increase the scientific outputs from the NNJS Network and their translation to practice.
• Ensure sustainability of the research team, including by developing research fundraising capacity

Job Title: Health Systems/Epidemiology Senior Researcher

We are seeking an accomplished, highly motivated and experienced quantitative and qualitative (mixed method) researcher to be a member of the research team at NNJS, Kathmandu.The research methodology for each research area will be developed collaboratively, working with research trainee in workshops initially, and will then be finalised with other membersof the research and technical advisors in Nepal and project staff at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

Main responsibilities:

To ensure that the studies undertaken for this Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) project are executed in a timely manner and to the highest possible standards.

• Co-develop study protocols for the project, working closely with the research team at LSHTM, including drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to the trainings and workshops of the project.
• Contribute to preparing ethics applications
• Contribute to a review and update of changing eye health trends and design new studies based on that.
• Assist in project planning, and ensuring that study protocols and regulatory requirements are followed
•  Create data collection forms and databases, and electronic data collection tools
• Manage study data including preparing datasets for storage
• Train and supervise the field coordinator and research assistants
• Contribute to quantitative data collection and supervise research assistants to ensure high quality data
• Undertake descriptive statistical analysis of the data, working closely with the data manager, Project Lead in Nepal and project staff at LSHTM.
• Generate reports working closely with the Project Lead in Nepal
• Provide information to the Project Lead or quarterly reports to the funder
• Contribute to dissemination of the findings in peer reviewed publications, conferences and meetings

Responsibilities for specific studies:

The research team at Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh will develop and finalise the protocol, all the data collection instruments, topic guides and databases for each study, working with the team at LSHTM and other technical advisors in Nepal. The post holder will prepare the initial draft for ethics application for submission to the Nepal Health Research Council. They will train and supervise the field team coordinator and research assistants, contribute to data collection and data, analyse the quantitative data.

• Analyse large datasets using statistical software to identify trends, patterns, and risk factors associated with diseases and health conditions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on epidemiological study design, data collection methods, sample size calculations, and statistical analysis.
• Stay updated with the latest research, methodologies, and advancements in the field of epidemiology to ensure best practices are implemented in research and analysis.
• Mentor and supervise junior epidemiologists and research staff, providing guidance and support in conducting epidemiological studies and data analysis.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals, grant applications, and scientific publications.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software, such as SAS, R, or STATA, for analysing complex epidemiological datasets.

Requirements

Essential

• PhD or Masters in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health or related quantitative field
• At least five years’ experience of planning, preparing and managing quantitative studies and analysing data
• First or last author of peer reviewed publications in national or international journals on epidemiological or health systems-related topics
• Experience of applying for ethical approval
• Able to stay in post for the duration of the project

Preferred

• Additional postdoctoral training
• Experience of international research collaboration
• Training in health economics

Attributes

• Excellent English both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Highly motivated and a team player

Salary and terms

• Full-time (fixed term-contract). Salary is negotiable based on the educational qualification and professional skill.
• Supportive research environment
• Opportunities for publication and conference presentations

Location: Kathmandu (Frequent field visit as required)

Start Date: As soon as possible

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