| Position | Social Science Research Assistant (JDHAN-0424-005) |
| Group | OUCRU Hanoi |
| Location | This post is based in Ha Noi, with some travel required. |
| Hours of work | 37.5 hours per week, extra hours may be required. |
| Tenure | Initially for 1 year, including a 2 month probation period, with possibility of extension. |
| Reporting to | Dr. Sonia Lewycka |
| Vacancy reference | JDHAN-0424-005 |
| Background | The Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) is a large-scale clinical and public health research unit, with sites offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam, Jakarta in Indonesia and Kathmandu in Nepal. In Vietnam, we are hosted by the Hospital of Tropical Diseases (HTD) in Ho Chi Minh City, and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases (NHTD) in Hanoi. OUCRU Nepal has partnerships with the Patan Academy of Health Sciences and Patan Hospital, and OUCRU Indonesia exists in partnership with the University of Indonesia. As a Wellcome Trust Africa Asia Programme, we have received considerable support from the Wellcome Trust since our establishment in 1991. OUCRU’s vision is to have local, regional and global impact on health by leading a locally driven research programme on infectious diseases in Southeast Asia. Priority is given to health issues important to the hospitals where we work, and to the countries as a whole where we operate: Vietnam, Indonesia and Nepal. All work is intended not only to benefit the patients seen daily at our host hospitals, but also to help improve patient care. OUCRU employs approximately 320 people across Viet Nam and has an average annual budget of USD 12mil. Please see more information on OUCRU website: www.oucru.org |
| Job summary | Governance is a critical determinant in the performance of health systems. However, it is still relatively under-researched in health systems. Consequently, limited studies have been conducted on the role of governance on containment of antimicrobial resistance especially in low- and middle-income countries. Through a qualitative international study, we are seeking to understand how health system governance structures and functions affect antimicrobial resistance containment using Kenya and Vietnam as case studies. Kenya has a decentralized health system while Vietnam has a centralized one. Although both countries have national action plans (NAPs) which prescribe the governance structure and functions for antimicrobial resistance containment, implementation realities, priorities and concerns from the perspective of diverse stakeholders at national and sub-national levels are not well understood. We will unpack antimicrobial resistance governance policies on paper and in practice through a combination of document reviews, interviews with national and subnational officers working in human health, livestock health, agriculture, and environment sectors and non-participant observation of AMR governance activities. We will additionally conduct literature reviews on AMR governance. The post holder will work closely with the Co-Investigator in Vietnam, and the Principal Investigator and a Research Officer in Kenya. He/she will work together with other colleagues in Vietnam and Kenya, contributing to wider social science research activities within OUCRU and related research networks including presenting the work in various institutional, national, and international forums as needed. |
| Key responsibilities and tasks | The research officer will initially work with senior team members to develop a longer-term set of work and will likely be responsible for: 1. Contributing to the development of research proposals and data collection tools. 2. Reviewing literature on topics related to AMR governance at national and global level. 3. Conducting primary research including the use of ethnographic approaches such as non-participant observation and interviews, both alone and together with other investigators. 4. Supporting the coordination of research and data collection activities. 5. Qualitative data management, analysis, and report writing. 6. Engaging with stakeholders at national and international levels as part of their research and through reports, presentations, and writing for peer-reviewed journals. 7. Supervising the conduct of other social science and ethnographic work being conducted by more junior staff members. 8. Taking part in or helping to organize and conduct internal social science methodological workshops, shared learning sessions, and training. 9. Participating in seminars and journal clubs and providing peer review of emerging proposals within OUCRU together with other scientists. 10. And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time. |
| Selection criteria | Essential: – MSc/MPH/MA with a health systems/health services focus or an MSc/MA/MPhil that provides a strong theoretical foundation in social science/health systems and the use of qualitative research methods. – An excellent academic track record as evidenced by grades for undergraduate and post-graduate training. – Demonstrable experience in conduct of in-depth interviews and observations, in transcribing and coding interview data. – Demonstrable experience of the conduct of prior relevant research such as high-quality literature review, empirical social science studies that include data analysis and report writing, or equivalent experience. – High levels of fluency in written and spoken English and Vietnamese, with good writing and presentation skills. – Ability to take and follow instructions, show initiative, keen to learn, and proactive with the ability to work under minimal supervision. – Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. – Good planning, organisation, and coordination skills. – Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking, and attention to detail. – Conscientiousness, timeliness, and willingness to work to meet deadlines. – Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. – Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications. Desired: – Excellent understanding of the Vietnamese health system. – Evidence of research after completion of MPH/MSc/MA level training. – Evidence of ability to write peer-reviewed research publications. – Knowledge of NVivo (qualitative analysis) software will be an added advantage. – Clear interest in health systems/health services research. – Prior work in a multidisciplinary team. – Prior evidence of being able to plan and conduct research under minimal supervision and to supervise the research of other more junior team members. – Demonstrable interest in a career in research. – Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. – Excellent organizational skills and prior experience managing junior team members. – Ability to work relatively independently to achieve agreed objectives. – Focus on timely delivery of objectives. |
| Benefits | – Contracted salary ranges: $1,202 – $1,476 gross per month – Optional insurance : In-patient and out-patient medical coverage; Personal accident insurance coverage – Two months salary for annual bonus and clothes – Annual leave 18 days/year for the first year, a maximum of 30 days – Other responsibilities and benefits are based on Viet Nam Labor Law. |
| How to apply | Interested candidates are invited to send curriculum vitae, cover letter and copies of relevant certificates by email to Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Hoa – Operations Manager: hoaptt@oucru.org * The cover letter should detail: – What part of your education, training or employment history has best equipped you for this position and why you would be a good candidate? – Contacts of two referees who are your latest HR/ line manager and can provide details of relevant work experience and attitude *** We thank all candidates for their interest but only short-listed applicants will be notified for interview. |
| Contact person | Pham Thi Thanh Hoa |
| Deadline for submission | 5 May 2024 |
