Mental Health Data Scientist, Term Appointment (3 years, renewable)

Aga Khan University; Pakistan; On-site; PKR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking a Mental Health Data Scientist for a term appointment focused on advancing data science in mental health research. The successful candidate will collaborate with various academic entities to analyze large data sets, develop protocols, and mentor students. A PhD or relevant medical degree is required, along with strong analysis and communication skills. Knowledge of mental health research is a plus. This position is set in Pakistan.

Qualifications

• PhD or Medical Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent technical skills in data analytics.
• Experience in scientific research and publications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply data science knowledge in mental health research.
• Analyze a variety of large and small data sets.
• Plan and direct statistical work on complex projects.
• Prepare data visualizations to convey research findings.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical knowledge

Epidemiological understanding

Excellent communication skills

IT literacy

Education

PhD or Medical Degree in relevant discipline

Tools

MS Office

Data analytics software

Job description

Mental Health Data Scientist, Term Appointment (3 years, renewable)

Entity

Brain and Mind Institute

Location

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU, www.aku.edu) 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 (www.akdn.org), 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.

The Brain and Mind Institute is a new entity that operates across the Aga Khan University’s multi-country campuses, connecting the rich tapestry of academic entities, and facilitating interdisciplinary research, education and related clinical programming in mental health and neurosciences. The Institute is developing an integrated mental health framework and its work program involves: (1) Education; (2) Research; (3) Innovation (delivery science); and (4) Engagement (intra-AKU, funders, governments, stakeholders).

Responsibilities

• Working on a wide research portfolio with colleagues in the Brain and Mind Institute, Institute for Human Development, Institute for Global Health and Development, Medical Colleges and Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, as well as in other academic entities across Aga Khan University to develop and apply advanced knowledge in data science, particularly as it relates to mental health research;
• Gathering, analyzing and interpreting a wide variety of large and small data sets and developing associated data usage, protection and sharing protocols;
• Planning, conducting and directing statistical work and other data analytics on complex projects and serving as a mentor to students and other faculty in this area;
• Representing the Brain and Mind Institute and Aga Khan University in outside discussions and technical forums;
• Preparing reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids that make use of data visualization techniques and help convey the findings from data-intensive research;
• This position involves working knowledge of a variety of databases including global open access platforms, large public data files in multiple countries, large health system data warehouses, and extensive clinical data.

The research work involves applying and learning traditional and new methods in health services and medical research, including but not limited to:

• Hierarchical linear/logistic regression;
• Propensity score matching;
• Repeated measures analysis;
• Poisson and Negative Binomial regression;
• Survival analysis, including Cox Proportional Hazards regression;
• Other custom models.

Requirements

• A PhD and/or Medical Degree(s) in a relevant discipline;
• Information Technology (IT) literacy, including excellent technical skills (e.g., in MS office, data analytics, etc.);
• Experience in scientific research, analysis, evaluations, reviews, and publications;
• Good understanding of epidemiological and qualitative analysis;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (additional linguistic capacities in Urdu and/or Swahili would be an asset);
• Ability to work relatively independently as well as collaboratively with interdisciplinary and international teams;
• Sensitivity to and respect for diversity.

Knowledge and/or experience in the following would be an asset:

• Global and national mental health research;
• Surveillance systems for the detection/monitoring of mental illness;
• Mental health organizations and related NGOs in the sector;
• Predictive analytics methods.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a Cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, names and email contacts of three professional referees, telephone contact, e-mail address and copies of relevant academic certificates to, the Director, Human Resources, Aga Khan University’s Campus Nairobi, Kenya. P. O. Box 30270-00100 or by email to [e-mail].

Your email application should bear the reference number MHDS/BMI.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. More information about the Aga Khan University is available at www.aku.edu