Research Associate

Africa Health Research Institute

Job Location:

Durban - South Africa

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 13 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description:

AHRI is part of a large multi-partner project shaping safe and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) in mental health. The project focuses mapping out possible risks linked to AI-enabled mental health tools and consulting diverse voices locally and globally to ensure that lived experience and clinical expertise guide the project as a whole.

We are seeking an experienced dynamic and highly organised individual to fill the dual role of Research Associate and Project Manager on the study. This role involves both managing the logistical and administrative aspects of the project and contributing to cutting-edge research to advance the projects science and your own research career.

The postholder will lead the design and delivery of a comprehensive taxonomy of harms associated with genAI mental health interventions ensure meaningful embedding of lived experience and clinical expertise and support cross-partner research outputs. The role combines scientific leadership applied qualitative and mixed-methods research stakeholder engagement ethics and governance oversight and high-level project coordination across global partners.

Overview of Duties:

Overview of Duties

Coordinate and manage research activities across multiple collaborating sites ensuring alignment with objectives milestones deliverables and timelines.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement by gathering input from diverse local and global voices to define a taxonomy of potential harms caused by AI-enabled mental health tools.
Oversee data collection and analysis to ensure accurate high-quality insights are obtained from consultations workshops and research activities.
Implement quality control measures to maintain integrity and accuracy of stakeholder input lived experience contributions and clinical expertise integration.
Ensure all project activities align with the overall goals of responsible inclusive and impactful mental health innovation.
Manage and integrate data from various sites and partners ensuring consistency and accuracy across outputs.
Identify potential risks associated with multi-site coordination and stakeholder engagement and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Address and resolve project-related issues promptly to ensure smooth execution.
Deliver timely updates on project progress including detailed status reports and key insights into milestones challenges and achievements.
Assist with tracking and organizing research data and documentation maintaining databases and records of study activities.
Contribute to writing and publishing research papers and presenting findings to academic professional and policy audiences.
Assist with organizing trainings workshops and conferences to embed lived experience and clinical expertise throughout the award.

Minimum Qualifications

Relevant PhD degree

Minimum Experience

At least 3 years of experience in research particularly in mental health or public health social science health systems bioethics or a closely related field
Some knowledge of digital mental health; knowledge of genAI highly desirable.
In-depth knowledge of qualitative methods.
Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders and workshop facilitation.
Experience running independent research projects.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience leading complex multi-partner research projects preferably in global health or mental health.
Strong background in qualitative or mixed-methods research including protocol development data collection and synthesis.
Experience working with ethics committees and regulatory or governance bodies.
Proven ability to engage sensitively and meaningfully with lived experience experts and vulnerable populations.
Track record of producing peer-reviewed publications and high-quality technical reports.
Desirable: Experience working at the intersection of digital health AI or medical devices.
Desirable: Prior work involving co-production participatory research or advisory panels.

Skills Required

Good verbal and written communication skills in English;
Advanced qualitative research and synthesis skills;
Excellent project management skills including timelines deliverables and partner coordination
Report writing
Stakeholder engagement and facilitation including high-level workshops;

Worker Type:

Employee

The application closing date:

8 Mar 2026

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.

Required Experience:

Description: AHRI is part of a large multi-partner project shaping safe and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) in mental health. The project focuses mapping out possible risks linked to AI-enabled mental health tools and consulting diverse voices locally and globally to ensure...