Research Associate

Organization Description: Based in Hanoi, the Institute of Social and Medical Studies (ISMS) is a leading nonprofit research institution working to advance public health and development in Vietnam.  We aim to provide evidence that can be used to improve the lives and well-being of Vietnamese communities, particularly marginalized communities such as ethnic minorities, the poor, women, children, and people living with HIV. Through its Survey Center (ISMS-SC), the institute provides customized research-based support for a range of studies including small- and large-scale quantitative surveys, longitudinal studies, qualitative studies, and evaluation research. The center’s client base spans multiple sectors such as international and domestic NGOs, foundations, universities, government agencies, and private businesses. Working in close collaboration with our clients, we offer services to assist in the implementation of high-quality scientific research studies. Areas of focus vary according to clients’ needs and have included child nutrition, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health/family planning, aging, tobacco control, and vulnerable youth.  

ISMS seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Research Associate at the Survey Center. The position will be based at the institute’s office in Hanoi, Vietnam with periodic travel within the country as needed. Long-term contracts are available, but the candidate is expected to commit to at least one year. The successful candidate will support senior researchers with health research and evaluation studies as well as grant writing.

Duties:

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing support for planning of research studies including the development of research protocols, finalization of study design documents, submission of IRB forms, development of research instruments.
• Managing and analysing study data
• Writing study reports
• Assisting in the preparation of project deliverables, such as briefs, and articles
• Assisting in writing and submission of grant proposals
• Providing support in updating contents (English version) for organization’s website ()
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Epidemiology, Social Sciences.
• Demonstrated experience working with quantitative data (management, analysis, etc.)
• Strong statistical analysis skills
• Proficiency in Stata or SPSS
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent writing skills
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to understand and summarize scientific literature
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Fluency in written and spoken English (Native Language)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with grant writing
• Experience with data entry and CAPI software packages (CSPro, EpiData, Epi Info, etc.)
• Native speaker
• Prior experience living or working in Southeast Asia
• Proficiency in Vietnamese a plus

FTE, Work Schedule:

1.0 FTE, Monday – Friday

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary commiserate with experience
• In-country medical and emergency rescue insurance
• Lunch provided daily in office
• Retreat, outing, bonuses (national holidays)

How to apply:

All applicants should send a cover letter, CV, list of 3 references, and writing sample to Ms Linh Nguyen via email: [email protected] by November 5, 2015

In your cover letter, please address the following questions:

1) Explain why you are interested in joining ISMS; and
2) How your skills and experience will allow you to successfully carry out the job responsibilities as stated above.