Research Assistant - Kerala

About The George Institute

The George Institute for Global Health was established in 1999 with a mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide, particularly underserved populations, by challenging the status quo and using innovative approaches to prevent and treat the world’s biggest killers: non-communicable diseases and injury.

With offices in Australia, China, India and the UK, our 700+ people support 245+ active projects and clinical trials across 50+ countries, with 400+ more staff across our social enterprises. We focus on the global health challenges that cause the greatest loss of life, the greatest impairment of life quality and the most substantial economic burden, particularly in resource-poor settings.

Together with our academic partners, UNSW Sydney in Australia, Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India and Imperial College London in the United Kingdom, we work with a global network of collaborators, undertaking clinical, population and health systems research.

Our experts are among the most cited globally, bestowed accolades for excellence and innovation, and regularly participate in policy fora. Our research is published in leading academic journals, referenced in policy documents, and recognised for its excellence, innovation and impact. We are designated a WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for Injury Prevention & Trauma Care, and a WHO CC for Population Salt Reduction. Since 1999, we have raised more than $1 billion for research and produced over 10,000 peer-reviewed publications and other academic outputs.

What we do

• Lead world-class, large-scale clinical trials, epidemiological studies and health systems research to transform treatments and healthcare delivery
• Look beyond single diseases, across the life course, to identify patient-centred approaches to care that can be implemented at scale
• Develop low-cost, innovative solutions to global unmet needs
• Drive our global impact through a program of research, advocacy, thought leadership and disruptive social entrepreneurship

For more information about The George Institute, visit www.georgeinstitute.org.

The George Institute India

The George Institute, a wholly owned legal not-for-profit Indian research institute, has been conducting research related activities in India since 2002. The George Institute India’s mission mirrors that of the parent organization, namely the discovery and implementation of solutions to chronic and disabling health problems through research, policy development and capacity building.

A number of large-scale projects in population, health systems and clinical research, funded by a diverse group of sponsors, both public and private, are conducted in India. The George Institute India comprises two distinct operating groups: Research and Development, and Infrastructure and Resources. It has two separate offices - in Hyderabad and New Delhi, where the research staff and senior management are based.

Context

We are hiring for an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) funded research study titled ‘Improving lifejacket wear among boaters in Kerala and Tamil Nadu: A cluster-randomized trial,’ referred to as the Lifejacket Trial The project focuses on reducing the risk of drowning by encouraging the use of lifejackets among people who travel or work on boats, such as fishers and other boat users. It involves understanding how often lifejackets are currently worn, why people may or may not use them, and then designing and testing a behavior change program to increase their use. The study will be carried out in selected communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu over three phases, using both surveys and interviews, and will include the evaluation of a new intervention.

Position Overview

The Research Assistant will proactively participate in the design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation of the Lifejacket Trial. They will be responsible for collecting and analysing quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interviews and focus group discussions) data from the study participants. The applicant will also act as the liaison between the study participants, local stakeholders, and the wider research team.

The Research Assistant will be based in Kerala but should be willing and able to undertake domestic and international travel, as required. The appointment is initially for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension, based on future funding and mutual agreement. Any Indian applicant is eligible to apply.

Reporting Relationships

The Research Assistant will report to Dr Jagnoor Jagnoor, the Program Lead of the Injury Division on this project, at The George Institute for Global Health, India.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will be actively involved in the design, development,  documentation, and implementation of the Lifejacket Trial.

Key responsibilities are to:

• Ensure accurate and timely entry, management, and documentation of study data.
• Help with the development and testing of research tools and intervention materials.
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Contribute to reports, publications, and presentations resulting from the project.
• Participate in regular meetings with the research team and the local stakeholders.
• Participate in consultations with fisherfolk, healthcare professionals, governmental stakeholders, and NGOs to facilitate study implementation.
• Uphold ethical standards, including informed consent and confidentiality, during all research activities.
• Work closely with the core research team to support project monitoring and logistical planning.
• Contribute to the development of funding applications and other proposals as needed.

As a Team Member of The George Institute:

• Participate in special projects to continuously improve processes, tools, systems and organization.
• Take responsibility for personal learning and development and for setting achievable and meaningful work objectives and managing personal targets, meeting obligations of the Institute’s Performance Management and Development Policy.

• Demonstrate commitment to GI’s values, including performing to an exceptionally high ethical standard and focus on integrity, collaboration and teamwork in all efforts.

The appointee will have the opportunity pursue a PhD at MAHE (Manipal Academy of Higher Education), if (s)he is accepted into a programme. The institute will actively facilitate this process. 

Work, Health and Safety

• Comply with GI’s Work Health and Safety Policy and related procedures, and similar policies which apply when visiting the premises of affiliates and collaborating sites.
• Promote and contribute to a safe, secure environment for staff and visitors.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Two years of relevant experience after 12^th grade OR a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., health sciences, medical sciences, public health, social work and development studies, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a global multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of primary health care systems and behavior change.
• Experience in epidemiological, community-based, or health systems research studies.
• Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Experience in undertaking literature reviews, and writing for publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet project deadlines.
• Availability and willingness to undertake national and international travel.
• Fluent in the local language (English and Malayalam)

Preferred:

• Appropriate post-graduate qualification in health or development.
• Prior experience working in a research setting, preferably in healthcare or clinical research.
• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Can speak Tamil.

General:

• Strong focus on quality of work
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Good organisation and time management skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to see the big picture, and focus on detail
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable

For more details, please see the Position Description for this role.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should send their resume with full contact details, current and expected CTC/salary. Clearly mentioning ‘Research Assistant-Lifejacket Trial Kerala’ in the subject line to hrindia@georgeinstitute.org.in by 25^th June 2025.

Our big and bold mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide needs a diverse and innovative team to deliver it.  So we foster a dynamic, inclusive and flexible workplace where each individual can bring their best selves to work.

Everyone is encouraged to apply, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and mature-aged adults.