Research Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Research Fellow, the Research Assistant will provide support for the research study by using mixed methods to collect data and biological specimens (when necessary) for the study while ensuring proper conduct and implementation of all research activities. The range of projects that you may cover include (but not limited to) communicable and non-communicable diseases, population health, etc.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC

• Work with a multidisciplinary research team on mixed methods studies in the community, primary care and/or hospital setting.
• Recruitment, liaison and collect data from research participants for the study.
• Conduct interviews and facilitate focus group discussions with the research participants.
• Collect, dispatch and/or process biological specimens when required.
• Organize data collected from the research participants into a database, clean and validate them for downstream analysis purposes.
• Analyze, interpret and integrate both qualitative and quantitative data generated from the study.
• Assist with literature searches, conference presentation materials, and manuscript writing when required.

GENERAL

• Ensure that all study practices and procedures (e.g. screening, recruitment, follow-up, specimen taking, data entry) are conducted in accordance with the study protocol, other applicable regulatory / ethical requirements, standard operating procedures and hospital policies.
• Ensure timely submission of required documents to the Institutional Review Board.
• Ensure accurate and complete essential research documents in a timely manner and ensure that they are audit compliant.
• Prepare for site visits, audits, etc. by ensuring that all study files are complete and up to date.
• Assist in study related correspondences to ensure successful implementation of studies.
• Assist in procurement of consumables and management of subject reimbursement.
• To perform other duties as directed by the HOD, Principal Investigator and Research Fellow.

ORGANISATION RELATIONSHIPS

SUPERVISOR’S SUPERIOR: Principal Investigator / Head of Department

SUPERVISOR: Research Fellow / Principal Investigator

SUBORDINATE: When assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

(A) EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Minimum degree in relevant healthcare discipline (e.g. Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work) OR general degree (e.g. Public Health, Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences).

(B) EXPERIENCE

• Experience in research is not mandatory but preferred.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Oral and written proficiency in local languages (e.g. Chinese, Malay, Chinese dialects) is preferred.
• Astute critical thinking skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Proficiency in softwares such as SPSS, Stata, Nvivo preferred.
• Strong initiative, willingness to perform duties and learn new skills as and when required.