Job Summary

Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a qualified Research Officer to be stationed at Dar es Salaam office to support DM4DM Project to develop and strengthen the required capacity for local scientists as well as to work on mathematical modelling, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), software programming, and in data management & analysis related projects. The broad objective is to establish a sustainable data science and mathematical modeling capacity by building upon the achievements of the Data Science and Mathematical Modelling Team, continuing to provide technical support to National Malaria programs (NMPs), and expanding into new projects through various initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Execute different Data Science and Mathematical Modelling tasks in relation to health while acquiring the required skills.
• Participate in training in order to understand the biology of infectious diseases (especially malaria).
• Work on data management and analysis related to mosquito studies.
• Work on several projects to acquire skills on computer programming, machine learning, and AI.
• Work on the improvement of existing Vector Control Optimization Model (VCOM) framework.
• Participate in grant application to support masters and/or Ph.D. programs.
• Provide support to undertake different reviews related to infectious disease modelling projects.
• Participate in writing reports, scientific manuscripts, and other outputs to disseminate results in technical working groups, and in local &international conferences.
• Assist with any other duties as directed by Principal Investigator.

Desired Skills

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL.
• Proficiency in data analysis packages, e.g., Python, STATA, R, MATLAB.
• Proficiency in statistical software (R is a plus).
• Strong data management and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently, within interdisciplinary teams, and as part of a team on large research projects.
• Having some knowledge on mosquito biology and infectious diseases in general is a plus.
• Must have ambition to join MSc/PhD program in related field.

Essential Qualifications

Holder of BA or BSc in computer science, computer engineering, engineering, mathematics, Mathematical Modelling, health informatics, Economics or any other related discipline.

Required Experience

• Experience in developing web-based database applications.
• Mathematical modelling experience is a must for candidates applying for Research Scientist position.
• Experience in developing mobile applications.
• Experience in publishing in international peer reviewed journals is a plus.

Preferred Language

Strong communication skills in English and Swahili.

• Execute different Data Science and Mathematical Modelling tasks in relation to health while acquiring the required skills.
• Participate in training in order to understand the biology of infectious diseases (especially malaria).
• Work on data management and analysis related to mosquito studies.
• Work on several projects to acquire skills on computer programming, machine learning, and AI.
• Work on the improvement of existing Vector Control Optimization Model (VCOM) framework.
• Participate in grant application to support masters and/or Ph.D. programs.
• Provide support to undertake different reviews related to infectious disease modelling projects.
• Participate in writing reports, scientific manuscripts, and other outputs to disseminate results in technical working groups, and in local &international conferences.
• Assist with any other duties as directed by Principal Investigator.

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL.
• Proficiency in data analysis packages, e.g., Python, STATA, R, MATLAB.
• Proficiency in statistical software (R is a plus).
• Strong data management and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently, within interdisciplinary teams, and as part of a team on large research projects.
• Having some knowledge on mosquito biology and infectious diseases in general is a plus.
• Must have ambition to join MSc/PhD program in related field.

• Holder of BA or BSc in computer science, computer engineering, engineering, mathematics, Mathematical Modelling, health informatics, Economics or any other related discipline.