PhD Fellow, Epidemiology & Population Health

Role Summary

The Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK) is a flagship population-based cohort platform designed to generate high-quality evidence on ageing, health transitions, and the social and environmental determinants of later-life wellbeing in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. LOSHAK integrates large-scale household surveys, environmental and geospatial data, biomarker information, and contextual social and climate-related exposures, and is embedded within regional and global networks on ageing, climate, and health.

The PhD Studentship is for candidates already enrolled in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, Public Health, or a closely related discipline, who are at or near completion of coursework and ready to enter the research phase of their doctorate. This studentship is ideal for a highly motivated early-career researcher seeking to undertake a doctoral project focused on survey research, ageing, and cognitive epidemiology in LMICs, using LOSHAK as the primary research platform.

The PhD Student will design and implement an independent doctoral research project embedded within LOSHAK, contributing to:

• Population-based survey research on ageing and health.
• Measurement and analysis of cognitive function and cognitive ageing.
• Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and functional decline in older adults.
• Methodological innovation in ageing research in LMIC settings.

The role combines rigorous academic research with hands-on engagement in large-scale field and data systems.

Key Responsibilities

Doctoral research design

• Develop a doctoral protocol aligned with LOSHAK priorities; refine research questions and analytical framework; secure ethics and regulatory approvals

Survey & field research

• Design, pilot, and implement survey modules or sub-studies on ageing and cognition; participate in LOSHAK field operations and QA processes

Data management & analysis

• Curate, clean, and analyze longitudinal survey and cognitive data; apply appropriate epidemiological and statistical methods

Scholarly outputs

• Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; present findings at academic fora

Platform & team engagement

• Contribute to LOSHAK platform activities; engage with multidisciplinary teams; support junior researchers where appropriate

Professional development

• Build skills in ageing research, cognitive measurement, and longitudinal methods; engage in relevant training

Required Qualifications

• Registered in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, Public Health, Biostatistics, Demography, or related field
• Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase
• Strong grounding in epidemiological methods and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python)
• Demonstrated interest in ageing, cognitive health, or life-course epidemiology
• Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills

Relevant Experience

• Prior experience in population-based survey research
• Familiarity with LMIC field research environments
• Experience with longitudinal data analysis
• Interest in cognitive testing, mental health, or functional ageing

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Demonstrates high scientific integrity and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Strong communication skills and collaboration
• Culturally sensitive and adaptable in diverse environments
• Commitment to learning and Professional Development

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Aga Khan University Hospital recruitment portal at aku.taleo.net.