Project Research Scientist -I (Non Medical)-ICMR eSPOT Project

St Johns Research Institute (SJRI); India; Remote; INR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

St Johns Research Institute (SJRI) invites applications for Project Research Scientist-I (Non-Medical) to oversee day-to-day implementation of the eSPOT Study in Karnataka. You will coordinate CHO training, field activities, and staff management while ensuring protocol adherence and high-quality data collection.

The role includes supervising recruitment, follow-up, and data quality, organizing meetings, and supporting budget tracking and reporting for ICMR collaborations.

Qualifications

• First Class Postgraduate Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, or other Health Sciences.
• Second Class PG with a PhD in the relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day implementation of the eSPOT Study under supervision of the PI and Co-Is.
• Coordinate CHO training, field activities, and staff management.
• Monitor participant recruitment, follow-up, data collection, and data quality.
• Organize regular review meetings, support data management and process evaluation, and assist with budget tracking and administrative coordination.

Skills

Project coordination

Field supervision

Data management

Budget tracking

Report writing

Education

Postgraduate degree in Psychology/Social Work/Public Health

Second Class PG with PhD (relevant discipline)

Job description

Job Summary

Location: Bangalore

The eSPOT study evaluates the effectiveness and implementation of a brief, scalable psychological intervention for reducing depression among adults with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension attending Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) in Karnataka. The intervention combines Single-Session Problem-Solving Therapy (SSPST) delivered by Community Health Officers (CHOs) with Short Digital Video Support (SDVS) and is designed for integration into routine NCD care. eSPOT Study full Protocol Objectives:

1. To pilot test the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of SSPST supplemented with SDVS, assessing recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity, acceptability, and preliminary changes in PHQ-9 scores among 40 participants.

2. To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the intervention over 12 months by assessing changes in depression scores at 3, 6, and 12 months, along with implementation outcomes including Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance, fidelity, and integration into routine NCD services. eSPOT Study full Protocol

3. To estimate the incremental cost and cost-effectiveness of the intervention from the health-system perspective. eSPOT Study full Protocol Methods: It will be a prospective, single-arm pilot study followed by a Hybrid Type 1 effectiveness-implementation study using a mixed-methods approach. Adults with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension who screen positive for depression will be recruited from selected AAMs in Karnataka. Trained CHOs will deliver a 20-30-minute SSPST session, supplemented by a 10-15-minute digital video module for home-based reinforcement. Participants will be assessed at baseline and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months. Effectiveness will be evaluated primarily using PHQ-9 scores, along with anxiety, quality of life, problem-solving ability, clinical indicators, and treatment adherence. Implementation will be assessed using the RE-AIM framework, supported by qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. A trial-based economic evaluation will assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• The Project Research Scientist-I (Non-Medical) will oversee the day-to-day implementation of the eSPOT Study under the supervision of the PI and Co-Is.
• They will coordinate CHO training, field activities, and staff management, including supervision and coordination of project staff.
• They will ensure adherence to the study protocol, coordinate field-level activities, and monitor participant recruitment, follow-up, data collection, and data quality.
• The Project Research Scientist-I will organize regular review and coordination meetings, support data management and process evaluation, prepare progress reports for ICMR, and assist with budget tracking and administrative coordination in collaboration with the institutional accounts office.

Eligibility Criteria

• Preferred Qualifications: First Class Postgraduate Degree, including an integrated postgraduate degree, in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, or other relevant Health Sciences discipline. OR - Second Class Postgraduate Degree, including an integrated postgraduate degree, with a Ph.D. in the relevant discipline.
• Age Criteria : 35 Years
• Experience : Minimum of 1 year of fieldwork in rural areas of Karnataka
• Preferred Language: English, Kannada
• No of Vacancy : One