We are seeking dedicated and detail-oriented research assistants to support an innovative, transdisciplinary research project titled “Applying transdisciplinary and youth-driven citizen science to address air pollution and create healthy climate-resilient cities.”
ORGANISATION OVERVIEW
The project is a partnership between 3 institutions:
UrbanBetter: a rapidly growing Africa-led global social venture startup with a mission to accelerate the building of healthy climate-resilient urban environments in rapidly growing cities worldwide. Through advocacy, practice, and learning pillars, UrbanBetter is committed to building a youth-led, data-driven, Africa-led global movement that mobilises individuals, communities, and organisations for healthy, sustainable urban environments.
MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge: a department of the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine with the mission to investigate the individual and combined effects of these factors and to develop and evaluate strategies to prevent these diseases and their consequences to improve the health of people in the UK and around the world.
University of Lagos Center for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), an African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Center of Excellence for Urbanization and Habitable Cities. The Centre coordinates research and teaching in urbanisation and habitable cities amongst the thirteen member African universities, which is a great platform for engagement with community of practice in these areas and a hub for generating sustainable development data for African cities.
LOCATION
- Lagos, Nigeria.
ROLE SUMMARY
This role will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, and focuses on leveraging the healthcare sector and the power of youth citizen science to tackle air pollution and enhance urban climate resilience in Lagos. The project aims to achieve several key objectives related to air pollution, health, and community engagement.
As a Research Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the research project by assisting with various tasks under the supervision of senior researchers. Your responsibilities will include:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participant Recruitment: Recruiting young people in Lagos to participate in the research study.
- Data Collection & Management: Assisting in collecting qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, fieldwork, and other methods. Using database tools like REDCap for data collection, storage, and management.
- Literature Review: Support data extraction and analysis for reviews of existing research and summarising findings.
- Data Entry and Management: Inputting and maintaining research data accurately and securely.
- Basic Data Analysis: Performing initial data analysis using specified software tools, under the guidance of senior researchers.
- Administrative Support: Assisting with scheduling meetings, managing project documentation, and preparing materials for presentations.
- Community Engagement: Supporting the organisation and execution of community engagement activities, including workshops and training sessions.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Basic understanding of research methodologies.
- Proficiency in electronic data collection and management tools (e.g. REDCap, Epi Info, Open Data Kit (ODK),
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
- Previous experience in a research setting, particularly related to environmental science or public health, is beneficial but not required.
- Familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and community engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Health, Sociology, or a related field.
- Master’s degree or current enrollment in a graduate programme is a plus.
SALARY
USD 5,430 gross/year.
DURATION
Part time. 1 Year.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing motivation and qualifications.
- A current resume or CV.
- Contact information for two professional references.
Submit applications to: jobs@urbanbetter.science. Title the subject line of your email: Research Assistant Application.
The application process will remain open until 07:00 UTC on Friday, September 27th, 2024. Interviews will be conducted in October, with an anticipated start date in November 2024.
As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, returning parents, carers or any other aspect which makes them unique. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups to apply. We would encourage you to let us know if there are steps we can take to ensure that the recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable. We are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of our employees from all forms of harm.
