Research Fellow

About The George Institute

We are a medical research institute affiliated with leading universities aiming to challenge the status quo in health care. With 700+ people around the world, and projects in over 40 countries, our Strategy 2025 is all about impact – specifically, the impact of The George Institute’s activities on the health of millions of people, particularly those living in disadvantaged circumstances around the world.

Our strategy focuses on three key research priorities:

Better Treatments: finding better treatments for the world’s biggest health problems Better Care: transforming primary health care to support better health for more people Healthier Societies: harnessing the power of communities, governments and markets to improve health

Our innovative commercial enterprises help maximise our impact.

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 and Role

The Global burden of kidney disease, both in the form of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease (CKD), continues to rise as patients are becoming older, sicker, and frailer. The high prevalence of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, along with improvements in heart disease survival, are resulting in populations that require more complex medical care and are more susceptible to adverse events that impact upon kidney function. It is estimated that the number of people requiring treatment for end-stage renal disease will more than double between 2010 and 2030. Around 10% of the world’s population is affected by chronic kidney disease, with socio-economically disadvantaged groups bearing a greater burden, and millions die annually for want of affordable treatment.

A common perception of CKD is that patients are generally well until they require dialysis or a kidney transplant, but even patients with early stages of the disease may struggle with medical issues and declining quality of life. A team led by Prof Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director (George Institute for Global Health) conduct various projects in kidney diseases to address knowledge gaps, target global collaboration, simplify treatment regimens, and improve safety and efficacy of medication.

The Research Fellow will manage the various projects with guidance from Prof Vivekanand Jha. A key role for the Research Fellow is to be intimately involved in and eventually leading grant proposals, analyses data (in collaboration with biostatistics team) from existing projects and datasets, write peer-reviewed papers and present at conferences, in addition to providing oversight to existing project(s).

Reporting Relationships

The appointee for this position will report to the Executive Director at the George Institute for Global Health, India.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

Work closely with PI (Principal Investigator) for overall coordination of projects on kidney disease and linkage with other projects and connected networks
The role will involve elements of program management for kidney disease studies, including research administration, participating in the conduct of research, network building and communications.
Research Fellow will assist in the development of study related documents, reports, newsletters, and presentations, and communicate regular updates of the study to all staff (internal and external)
Research Fellow will complete monthly reporting and progress cycle for the projects
Research Fellow will develop, manage, and coordinate, prepare and follow-up on the detailed project implementation plan in consultation with the stakeholders internally and externally.
Research Fellow will provide technical oversight for the implementation of kidney disease projects to ensure on the ground activities mirror the plan and highlight areas for improvement
Research Fellow will keep abreast of current developments in research of relevance to the Institute, providing a source of information to other researchers within the Institute
Contribute to the preparation of grant writing, journal publications, media reports and other public affairs outputs
Develop productive scientific collaborations with new participating research organisations/groups.
Contribute to local, national, and international meetings of relevance to the area of research expertise and develop working partnerships within relevant research networks
Any other responsibilities as needed and specified

As a Team Member:

Participate in team meetings and activities relating to Institute’s strategic goals and priorities and own work area;
Participate in special projects to improve processes, tools, systems and organisation;
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 Institute’s values, including performing to an exceptionally high ethical standard and focus on integrity, collaboration and teamwork in all efforts.

Work, Health and Safety

The Research Fellow should also:

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

Postgraduate qualification in health or a related subject in one of the disciplines of public health. MBBS, MPH, MSc with three years of research experience or fresh PhD, MD/Diploma/DNB in clinical or non-clinical speciality are encouraged to apply.
Experience in managing research projects, leading teams, specific work tasks would be desirable; preferably with a large portfolio of projects involving national and international collaboration
Well versed with scientific reporting guidelines, national and international ethical and regulatory requirements
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, managing relationships with external partners, and engaging senior stakeholders, including those in government
Excellent interpersonal skills with high level of proficiency in English and Hindi and the ability to work well autonomously and in multiple teams
Experience writing for publication in peer- reviewed journals would be an advantage, as would experience in developing funding applications
Ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing organisational priorities and ambiguous environments.
Well organised and efficient, with the capacity to work under pressure

Location

New Delhi

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their resume with full contact details, current and expected CTC/salary. Clearly mentioning the job title “Research Fellow (Kidney Disease)” in the subject line to hrindia@georgeinstitute.org.in by the 17th June 2022.

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.