Suicide Prevention and Intervention Scientist - Term appointment (3 years renewable)

Aga Khan University; Pakistan; On-site; PKR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Scientist for a Term appointment focused on suicide prevention and intervention. This role involves conducting significant research, planning and supervising activities, and developing interventions to address mental health issues. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MD, experience in scientific research, and strong communication skills. This position is critical for improving mental health outcomes in vulnerable populations in Pakistan and Kenya.

Qualifications

• PhD and/or MD degree(s) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in scientific research, analysis, evaluations, reviews, and publications.
• Good understanding of epidemiological and qualitative analysis.
• A strong publication record.
• Sensitivity to and respect for diversity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on suicide prevention and intervention.
• Plan and coordinate research activities.
• Prepare and submit grant applications.
• Build capacity through teaching and mentorship.
• Communicate findings through publications and conferences.

Skills

Scientific research and analysis

Epidemiological and qualitative analysis

Technical skills in information technology

Excellent verbal and written communication

Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams

Education

PhD and/or MD degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Scientist - Term appointment (3 years renewable)

Entity

Brain and Mind Institute

Location

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university. 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 hospitals and outreach clinics at international standards.

The Brain & Mind Institute seeks to build capacity in mental health and neuroscience. The Institute will advance leadership capacity and support service delivery across East Africa and other regions served by AKU. Research focuses on the context of today’s youth in Africa and South Asia, and programmatic offerings address mental health-related issues, such as stigma and resiliency.

We are looking for a bold, entrepreneurial, and boundary-pushing leader to drive transformations in mental health and help improve the quality of life for millions. This is an interdisciplinary research position focused on suicide prevention and intervention in Kenya and/or Pakistan, addressing the mounting burden of mental illness among vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research
• Planning, coordinating, supervising, and carrying out research activities
• Exploring funding opportunities, preparing and submitting grant applications
• Building capacity through teaching and mentorship
• Networking with local and international experts in related fields
• Communicating research findings through scientific journals, conferences, social media, and lay press
• Development and delivery of suicide prevention interventions
• Applying implementation science to test and scale evidence-based interventions
• Developing academic programs on suicide prevention for professional and lay stakeholder communities
• Preparing briefing documents and informing policy makers
• Assisting in government or community-based suicide prevention activities and proposals
• Collaborating with existing suicide prevention agencies and experts

Requirements

• A PhD and/or MD degree(s) in a relevant discipline
• Information Technology (IT) literacy, including excellent technical skills
• Experience in scientific research, analysis, evaluations, reviews, and publications
• Good understanding of epidemiological and qualitative analysis
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to work relatively independently as well as collaboratively with interdisciplinary and international teams
• A strong publication record
• Sensitivity to and respect for diversity

Knowledge and/or experience in global and national suicide prevention strategies, surveillance systems, mental health organizations, and predictive analytics methods would be an asset.

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 as well as transcripts to the Manager, Human Resources, Aga Khan University’s Campus Nairobi, Kenya.

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