The research team invites applications from highly motivated postgraduate students for two Research Assistantship positions. The successful candidate will support an ongoing international research project examining the paradox of health workforce shortages in government hospitals amid an ironic ‘surplus’. The project is deploying a mixed-methods approach to explore the socio-cultural and political-economic dimensions of this paradox in Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia.

Available Positions:

Research Assistant (doctoral student): one position

Research Assistant (master’s student): one position

ELIGIBILITY:

Location: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with possible travel to selected study sites.

Duration: Initial appointment for 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and project needs.

For the PhD Research Assistantship:

Currently enrolled in a PhD programme in Medical Anthropology, Demography, Public Health, Health Policy, Health Systems, Development Studies, or a related discipline.

Demonstrated interest in health systems, health workforce research, labour studies, sociology of professions, or related fields.

Experience in qualitative research methods is essential.

Experience with NVivo, Atlas.ti, SPSS, Stata, or other analytical software will be an added advantage.

Strong academic writing and communication skills.

For the MSc Research Assistantship:

Currently enrolled in an MSc programme in Medical Anthropology, Sociology, Demography, Public Health, Health Policy, Health Economics, Development Studies, or a related discipline.

Interest in health systems and workforce research.

Demonstrated research skills and willingness to learn.

Good communication and organizational skills.

Experience in research data collection and analysis will be an advantage.

Desired Attributes for Both Positions:

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Strong attention to detail.

Commitment to high ethical standards in research.

Availability to participate in fieldwork and project activities.

Method of Application:

A cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining your suitability for the position.

A current curriculum vitae.

Evidence of current enrolment in a PhD or MSc programme

A sample of academic writing (e.g., publication, dissertation chapter, term paper, or research report).

Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF document to aloysius.odii@unn.edu.ng, and copy chidi.ugwu@unn.edu.ng

Use one of the following subject lines as the title of your email: Application for Research Assistant Position – PhD Student OR Application for Research Assistant Position – MSc Student

Note: Prospective PhD or MSc applicants for the 2026/2027 academic session with an impressive and relevant skill set may also be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

BENEFIT:

Opportunity to work on a major international research project.

Mentorship from experienced researchers and academics.

Exposure to advanced qualitative and mixed-methods research.

Opportunities for co-authorship on publications, conference presentations, and professional development.

Monthly stipend commensurate with project guidelines.