Research Assistant

Swiss TPH seeks a Research Assistant for a short-term project on migrant health in Ethiopia and Switzerland. The role involves fieldwork, data collection, and analysis within the Society, Gender and Health unit.

This position supports the NIIDS project, which focuses on improving health outcomes for refugees and migrants through infectious disease surveillance. The role is embedded in the Society, Gender and Health unit at Swiss TPH and aims to assess healthcare needs while establishing platforms for clinically relevant research in vulnerable populations across Ethiopia and Switzerland.

Responsibilities

• Support qualitative research efforts related to sexual and reproductive health.
• Gather quantitative data from Eritrean and Somali refugees in Aysaita camp and local host community members.
• Conduct fieldwork at designated locations, including the Aysaita refugee camp.
• Utilize predesigned structured questionnaires to collect high-quality data.
• Accurately record responses and manage data collection instruments.
• Assist with data analysis, manuscript preparation, and publication activities.
• Collaborate closely with the NIIDS team, healthcare providers, interpreters, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in team training sessions with full attendance.
• Present findings during consultative debriefing meetings.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (BSc/BA) or equivalent in Public Health, Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Sociology, Gender Studies, Demography, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
• Be a current MSc/MPH student who has completed coursework and is seeking a master’s thesis opportunity at Samara University.
• Demonstrate fluency in English (written and spoken) as well as at least one Ethiopian language: Amharic, Afaraf, or Tigrinya.
• Possess prior experience in data collection, analysis, and academic writing.
• Show a solid understanding of the Ethiopian health system.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Be capable of working effectively in fragile or remote contexts.
• Maintain high ethical standards, integrity, and strict confidentiality regarding research data.
• Adhere to all project data protocols and foster positive relationships with partners and participants.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new experiences in remote settings.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with digital data collection platforms, specifically RedCap.
• Previous experience working with women and adolescent populations.
• An academic interest in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research, particularly for student applicants.

What the company offers

• Short-term contract lasting approximately four weeks.
• Compensation based on mutual agreement, covering full research costs and per diem allowances (not a stipend).
• 100% employment commitment during the contract period.

About the company

Swiss TPH is a globally recognized institute dedicated to global health, with a specific emphasis on low- and middle-income countries. The organization integrates research, education, and services at local, national, and international levels. Its diverse workforce of 900 individuals from 80 nations focuses on infectious and non-communicable diseases, environmental health, societal impacts, and health system interventions.

• A world-leading institute in global health with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.
• Integration of research, education, and services across multiple levels.
• A diverse workforce of 900 people from 80 nations.
• Focus on infectious and non-communicable diseases, environment, society, and health systems.

How to apply

Documents to submit:

• Motivational letter
• Recommendation letter

Application language: English