Research Assistant Nurse (Hilton)

Department
Institute for Human Development

Entity
Aga Khan University

Location
Isiolo,Kenya

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

IHD’s vision is to drive innovation in research in early human development that advances the quality of individual lives and contributes to building successful pluralistic societies. IHD generates new knowledge through basic and applied research, apply the knowledge gained through research to inform programmes, services and practices within community settings, influence policy formulation and implementation in ways that reap the benefits of the systematic research produced at the institute and elsewhere. The institute also delivers educational programmes at multiple levels of study to prepare a wide range of human development specialists and professionals.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant (Nurse) will support the implementation of the study activities for a pregnancy-birth cohort in Isiolo County, Kenya. He/She will be responsible for recruitment and follow-up of pregnant mothers, conducting antenatal care assessments, contributing to data collection activities, provision of maternity delivery services, supporting postnatal care services, collection of biological samples, supporting community engagement activities, contributing to data management and ensuring the overall quality of research activities. The incumbent will work closely with the research team, local healthcare providers, and community members to facilitate the smooth operation of the study.

Responsibilities

• Familiarize themselves with study protocols, SOPs, data collection tools, and informed consent procedures.

• Conduct maternal, newborn, and child health assessments, including ANC assessments, clinical evaluations, and monitoring of vital signs, growth parameters, and developmental milestones in accordance with the study protocol.

• Support normal deliveries in the maternity ward and work collaboratively with maternity staff to ensure smooth clinical and study operations.

• Collect, process, accurately record, and ensure proper storage of study data, biological samples (including cord blood and placental tissue), and study documents in line with SOPs.

• Ensure accurate documentation and timely reporting of adverse events, including maintaining complete raw data and records.

• Participate in and support community engagement activities, maintaining respectful, culturally sensitive communication to promote trust, retention, and adherence to study procedures.

• Provide regular updates on progress and challenges and submit timely reports on data collection and study activities.

• Comply with all ethical and regulatory requirements, including confidentiality, informed consent, and data handling guidelines.

Requirements

• A Degree/Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution

• Have a valid practice license with the Nursing Council of Kenya

Relevant Experience

• At least 2 years’ Maternal, newborn and child health work experience.

• Demonstrated competence in midwifery practice

• Experience in using computer or tablet-based applications for data collection (e.g Redcap)

• Ability to work under minimal supervision.

• Willing to work in remote areas within Isiolo county.

• Previous experience in research, data collection, and participant recruitment in a pregnancy/birth cohort is desirable.

• Training in good clinical practice and research ethics is an added advantage.

• Should be fluent in English and Swahili. Speaking Borana is an added advantage.

• Experience in biological sample collection and handling (cord blood/placenta preferred) is an added advantage.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & BEHAVIOURS

• Ability to work in a busy maternity environment and flexible hours (including nights/weekends if required)

• Team player with strong interpersonal skills

• Good communication skills (both written and oral)

• Attention to detail and strong documentation skills. •       

• High level of integrity