About Company
The University of Abuja, established in 1988, is a premier institution dedicated to academic excellence, research, and community service within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. With a commitment to fostering critical thinking, innovation, and ethical leadership, the University plays a vital role in national development through its diverse academic programs, cutting-edge research initiatives, and extensive community outreach projects. Our faculty and staff are at the forefront of addressing pressing societal challenges, contributing significantly to knowledge creation and practical solutions across various disciplines.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our dynamic academic and field research teams in Zuba, Abuja. This pivotal role involves supporting various ongoing research projects that span across academic disciplines and require significant engagement with local communities and environments. The successful candidate will be instrumental in all phases of research, from conceptualization and literature review to data collection, analysis, and report writing. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to impactful studies that aim to understand and address critical issues within the region, providing valuable insights for policy-making and community development. You will work closely with faculty members, senior researchers, and community stakeholders, gaining hands-on experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, ethical research practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration. If you possess a strong passion for research, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to academic rigor and community engagement, we encourage you to apply. This role is ideal for individuals looking to build a career in academia, public health, social sciences, environmental studies, or related fields, offering a robust foundation for future advanced studies or professional roles.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to support project proposals and research objectives.
- Assist in the design and refinement of research instruments, including surveys, questionnaires, and interview protocols.
- Plan and execute field data collection activities in diverse settings within Zuba and surrounding communities, ensuring data quality and ethical guidelines are met.
- Manage and organize large datasets, performing data entry, cleaning, and preliminary analysis using statistical software.
- Contribute to the drafting of research reports, academic papers, presentations, and grant applications.
- Coordinate logistics for fieldwork, including scheduling interviews, focus group discussions, and community meetings.
- Maintain meticulous records of research activities, data, and project documentation.
- Participate in team meetings, workshops, and seminars to discuss research progress and findings.
- Ensure strict adherence to research ethics, data protection policies, and institutional guidelines.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in research methodology (qualitative and quantitative).
- Proficiency in data collection tools and techniques.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Adaptability to work in diverse field settings and challenging environments.
- Basic understanding of statistical analysis or data visualization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Environmental Studies, Statistics, or a related field.
- Prior experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata) or qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo).
- Familiarity with ethical guidelines for human subjects research.
- Experience in community engagement or participatory research methods.
- Ability to speak local languages common in Abuja (e.g., Hausa, Gbagyi, Yoruba, Igbo) is an added advantage.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel for field activities.
Perks & Benefits
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Exposure to a diverse range of academic and field research projects.
- Collaborative and supportive academic environment.
- Contribution to impactful research with real-world applications.
- Access to university resources and facilities.
- Paid annual leave and public holidays.
- Health and wellness programs (as per university policy).
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to apply. Please ensure your application includes a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your research experience and interest in this role.