PROMISE is a collaboration led by the University of Edinburgh in close collaboration with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), King’s College London, and the Malawi Ministry of Health. It is a 5-year Wellcome-funded study that seeks to address and improve the mental health of people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Malawi. The project aims to work with people living with psychosis, local community members, health care providers and healthcare leaders to build on existing health services and initiatives to develop acceptable and sustainable psychosis detection systems and management pathways to improve awareness and health outcomes of people living with psychosis. The study will be conducted in two districts in Malawi.
Job Summary
The Social Scientist will work under the direct supervision of the Principal and Co-Investigators to conduct a qualitative investigation to support work packages 3 and 4 of the PROMISE study. The postholder will lead qualitative data collection to explore the experiences of people living with psychosis, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders with psychosis screening, access to care, and treatment.
Under the supervision of the work package leads, the post-holder will organise and conduct Focus Group Discussions, In-depth interviews with people living with psychosis, community members, health care providers and other key stakeholders; analyse the data and prepare manuscripts for publication.
The post is based in Blantyre and Salima, with fieldwork conducted in Chiradzulu and Salima. The successful candidate will be offered an 18-month contract, subject to satisfactory performance.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Blantyre
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-08-12
Key Responsibilities
- Integrating closely with team members to develop a thorough understanding of relevant study procedures and processes.
- Taking responsibility for participant engagement and recruitment
- Undertaking focus group discussions and interviews, working in collaboration with the investigators to ensure smooth conduct, reflection and improvement.
- Coordinating and arranging transcription and translation and ensuring high quality, including undertaking some transcription and translation
- Ensuring data security, including confidentiality and safe
- Ensuring ethical conduct of research and supporting ethics governance, including documenting informed consent and organising the protocol study
- Conducting data analysis, including coding and involvement in writing academic articles.
- Taking responsibility for organisational, budgetary and logistical
- Monitoring, communicating, and reporting progress, maintaining the work plan and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
Requirements
- A Master’s degree in relevant social science, ethics, or public health
- Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in research ethics and social
- Demonstrated evidence of first-author publications in relevant social science, ethics, or a public health topic.
- At least four years of research
- Experience in qualitative research, including interviews and focus
- Experience in managing fieldwork and a research
- Experience in qualitative analysis, including qualitative data analysis packages (e.g., NVIVO).
- Experience in presenting research results at national/international
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds, including policymakers and community members
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent spoken and written English and Chichewa
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with great attention to
- Ability to work in resource-constrained settings and efficient use of
- Demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for a research
- Commitment and willingness to promote high-quality social science, ethical research practice and community engagement with research in Malawi.
- To uphold the Kamuzu University of Health Science’s Motto: Excellence for Life.
Salary
competitive salary commensurate with the position
How to Apply
to: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw addressed to
The Registrar,
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences,
Private Bag 360,
Chichiri, Blantyre 3.
Indicate the research project’s name as PROMISE Study and title of the post in the subject line of your email.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Deadline:
Applications should reach the Registrar no later than 12th of August 2026.
About the Company
The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) is a public university in Malawi. It was created in 2019 by separating and then merging the College of Medicine and the Kamuzu College of Nursing from the University of Malawi. The Faculty of Medicine of KUHeS is the only medical school in Malawi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical educational qualifications and certifications required for a Social Scientist role at a Malawian University of Health Sciences?
A Master's or PhD in Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field is usually preferred for such research-focused positions. Strong research methodology skills, particularly in qualitative and mixed methods, are also highly valued for this academic research environment.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Social Scientist working within a health sciences university setting in Malawi?
Daily tasks often involve designing and conducting research studies, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data related to health issues and their social determinants. You would also be expected to contribute to grant proposals, disseminate findings through publications, and potentially mentor junior researchers or students.
What is the typical work culture and expectations for researchers in a Malawian university setting, particularly at a health sciences institution?
The culture emphasizes collaborative research, often with multidisciplinary teams, and a strong commitment to producing locally relevant and impactful findings. Punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and strong interpersonal communication skills for community engagement are highly valued.
What are the realistic career progression and growth paths for a Social Scientist within a Malawian university like Kamuzu University of Health Sciences?
Career progression typically involves moving from Research Fellow to Senior Research Fellow, and potentially to Principal Investigator roles, leading larger projects and securing significant grants. Opportunities for lecturing, departmental leadership, or pursuing further advanced degrees are also common paths within the academic structure.
What typical benefits, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, are usually offered for a Social Scientist position at a Malawian public university?
Standard benefits generally include annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave in accordance with Malawian labor laws and institutional policies. Public universities often provide access to medical aid schemes and contribute to a pension fund for their permanent staff members.
How should one apply for a Social Scientist role at a Malawian university, and what do employers typically look for in applicants?
Applications usually require a detailed CV, academic transcripts, a compelling cover letter highlighting relevant research experience, and contact details for professional referees. Employers highly value demonstrated research experience, a relevant publication record, and a clear understanding of health-related social issues pertinent to Malawi.