Job Description
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)
POSITION: QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCHER
Location: Thyolo
PROJECT
BACKGROUND
Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) is seeking highly experienced
and qualified professionals to fill the below listed positions available in the Global Injury Group (GIG) Research Project.
2. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCHER
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Qualitative Health Researcher will lead and support the design, implementation,
and analysis of qualitative research within musculoskeletal (MSK) injury and health
systems studies. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the postholder will generate
high-quality evidence on patient, provider, and system-level experiences of injury care
through interviews, focus groups, and observational methods, and contribute to the
interpretation and dissemination of findings. The role also involves coordinating
fieldwork activities, ensuring ethical and rigorous data collection and management, and
working collaboratively with multidisciplinary and international partners to inform
improvements in injury care and health system strengthening.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(1) Organise research visits, interviews, observational fieldwork, including contact with
potential participants such as patients who have had a musculoskeletal injury and
their family members/ carers, healthcare professionals delivering fracture care.
(2) Carry out qualitative interviews, focus groups and observational fieldwork on
experiences of accessing and delivering care for musculoskeletal injuries
(3) Translate and transcribe audio recordings according to study protocols.
(4) Anonymise transcriptions and observational fieldnotes, file appropriately and
transfer to researchers at the University of Oxford and Bristol in keeping with
policies.
(5) Analyse qualitative data using established approaches including thematic analysis.
(6) Contribute to writing articles for peer reviewed journals in collaboration with
colleagues.
(7) Present findings to colleagues and other stakeholders.
(
Organise and maintain storage of data in keeping with the NIHR Global Health
Group and institutional policies.
(9) Ensure that study records and outputs are effectively produced and maintained.
(10)Attend weekly and regular meetings with the in-country and wider study team,
using video conferencing technology (e.g. Zoom, Teams).
(11) If circumstances permit, attend in person meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES
• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Health Services
Research, Public Health, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or other relevant
discipline.
• Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to qualitative research.
• The required experience shall include the following:
✓ At least three years’ experience in qualitative health research.
✓ Proven experience leading qualitative data collection and analysis.
✓ Experience of organizing research visits, fieldwork, interviews, including
contact with potential participants and arranging own travel and diary to
conduct data collection.
✓ Experience of transcribing qualitative interviews and/ or focus groups
according to study protocols.
✓ Experience in producing written reports of research findings.
✓ Experience in contributing to team meetings, including taking the lead when
asked to do so and organising meetings.
✓ Experience carrying out observational fieldwork using observational
checklist, taking fieldnotes and writing into full fieldnotes for analysis.
✓ Experience in analysing qualitative data, including coding data and
developing themes or categories as appropriate.
✓ Experience working within a collaborative study team to contribute to interpretation of findings.
• Desirable Knowledge shall include the following:
✓ Knowledge of qualitative health research methodologies including study design, data collection (interviews, focus groups, observation), and analysis (e.g., thematic analysis).
✓ Knowledge of a range of qualitative data collection approaches (e.g., interviews, focus groups using topic guides).
✓ Knowledge of ethical principles and good clinical practice (GCP) in the conduct of health research.
✓ Knowledge of qualitative data analysis approaches (e.g., coding, thematic
development).
✓ Understanding of observational research methods, including structured
observation and fieldnote development.
✓ Understanding of collaborative research processes within multidisciplinary
teams.
• Desirable Skills shall include the following:
✓ Ability to organise and manage research visits, fieldwork, and interviews,
including participant engagement and logistics.
✓ Ability to conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups.
✓ Ability to transcribe qualitative interviews and/or focus groups according to study protocols.
✓ Strong organisational and time management skills.
✓ Ability to work independently, using initiative and problem-solving skills.
✓ Ability and willingness to travel to research sites.
✓ Excellent written communication skills in English, with attention to clarity
and detail.
✓ Ability to produce clear written reports of research findings.
✓ Ability to contribute effectively to team meetings, including leading when
required.
REMUNERATION AND TENURE OF POSITION
The successful candidates for the positions shall be engaged on renewable contracts
based on satisfactory performance in line with the MUST's Performance Management
System, new job requirements and donor funding. The successful candidates shall receive
appropriate remuneration based on MUST's prevailing rates for research projects.
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE
MUST has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. Therefore,
applicants for the above vacancies must be willing to abide to the MUST Policy on
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
MODE OF APPLICATION
Interested candidates who meet the requirements for above-advertised positions should
submit their applications with an updated curriculum vitae and copies of their academic
and professional qualifications by Friday, 21st August, 2026.
Applications must be addressed to:
The University Registrar
Malawi University of Science and Technology
P.O. Box 5196
Limbe
Applications should be submitted through the MUST Careers website:
ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED