Overview

University of Global Health Equity is seeking a highly motivated Research Coordinator to support the Centre for Equity in Global Surgery (CEGS) in managing national-level global surgery research and educational initiatives in Rwanda.

This position will primarily coordinate an NIH-funded project titled “Implementation of Breast Biopsy Capacity Across Rwanda”, which focuses on strengthening decentralized breast biopsy services in district hospitals across the country. The role combines research coordination, project management, stakeholder engagement, mentorship, data analysis, and program development.

Beyond research activities, the selected candidate will also contribute to the expansion of Global Surgery educational programs including leadership development, non-technical surgical skills training, online learning initiatives, and community engagement programs.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about health equity, healthcare systems strengthening, implementation science, surgery research, and public health innovation in Africa.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute directly to improving surgical healthcare access and cancer diagnostic capacity in Rwanda.

The successful candidate will work alongside leading researchers, surgeons, healthcare institutions, and international partners while gaining exposure to:

• NIH-funded global health research
• Implementation science and health systems strengthening
• Academic publishing and scientific writing
• Research leadership and project coordination
• Surgical equity and policy advocacy
• International collaboration and grant management

Professionals interested in long-term careers in global health, public health research, healthcare policy, surgery systems, or academic medicine will find this role highly valuable for professional growth and international exposure.

The position also provides meaningful impact by helping improve access to life-saving breast cancer diagnostic services for underserved populations across Rwanda.

Application Tips

Candidates can improve their chances of selection by preparing a strong and well-structured application that clearly demonstrates both technical expertise and leadership potential.

Helpful tips include:

• Highlight experience in healthcare or public health research projects
• Showcase experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Include examples of project coordination or team leadership
• Mention any experience with implementation science, surgery programs, or health systems strengthening
• Demonstrate familiarity with research tools such as SPSS, R, NVivo, or data analysis platforms
• Emphasize scientific writing, publications, or grant proposal experience
• Clearly explain your interest in global surgery and healthcare equity in your cover letter
• Keep your CV professional, achievement-focused, and easy to read

Applicants with strong organizational skills, research experience, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders will stand out during the selection process.

Responsibilities

• Research Coordination & Program Management

  • Coordinate implementation of the Breast Biopsy Capacity Project across Rwanda
  • Supervise research activities evaluating decentralized breast biopsy services
  • Coordinate data collection and field research activities at study sites
  • Support implementation science and health systems research activities
  • Ensure timely completion of research deliverables and project milestones
  • Prepare research reports, grant reports, and project updates
  • Participate in manuscript development and peer-reviewed publications

  Stakeholder & Partnership Coordination

  • Coordinate collaboration between UGHE and partner hospitals
  • Organize meetings, working groups, and project discussions
  • Maintain communication with hospitals, partners, and researchers
  • Ensure continuous engagement of project stakeholders

  Data Management & Training

  • Train and supervise data collectors and research assistants
  • Mentor students, fellows, and junior investigators
  • Support data cleaning, analysis, interpretation, and reporting
  • Oversee adherence to research protocols and ethical standards

  Grant Oversight & Reporting

  • Support NIH project reporting and documentation
  • Coordinate Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions
  • Assist in grant proposal development and resource mobilization
  • Ensure compliance with project timelines and reporting requirements

  Global Surgery Program Coordination

  • Support organization of surgical training programs
  • Assist in development of Global Surgery Leadership Programs
  • Coordinate community engagement and educational initiatives
  • Contribute to online learning and training resources

Requirements

Education & Academic Background

Applicants should possess:

• Training or expertise in Global Surgery, Global Health Delivery, Public Health, or related healthcare disciplines
• Strong understanding of healthcare systems and implementation research

A Master’s degree in a relevant field is highly preferred.

Professional Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven experience in research coordination
• Experience working in healthcare, academic, or public health settings
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
• Experience managing research projects and timelines
• Understanding of systematic reviews and implementation science approaches

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of:

• Research design and data analysis
• SPSS, R, NVivo, or related analysis software
• Scientific writing and manuscript preparation
• Project management and reporting
• Grant coordination and documentation

Core Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision
• Attention to detail and strong time management skills

Languages

• Fluency in English is required
• Social media and communication skills are considered an advantage

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare and submit:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic Degree(s)
• Cover Letter explaining:
  • Interest in the role
  • Relevant research experience
  • Motivation for joining UGHE

Applications should be uploaded under the “Additional Files” section on the application page for Research Coordinator.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.