Director of Research & Innovation at Shamiri Institute

• We are seeking a full-time team member to join the Shamiri Institute as Head of Research and Innovation (i.e., the Director of the Shamiri Lab). This individual will lead our Research & Innovations Team, whose mission is to foster research excellence both in-house and through collaboration. This role is central to our mission and presents an exceptional opportunity for an applied social scientist aiming to make a significant impact on the world. Working directly with our CEO, Tom Osborn, and in partnership with the Shamiri leadership team, the scientific advisory board, academic institutions, and policy partners, you will spearhead the execution of Shamiri's research agenda. This staff position is ideal for an accomplished early-career researcher who is committed to dedicating their career to policy and practice. The position is offered on a 2-3-year contract basis, with the expectation that the Director of Research and Innovation will raise funds for a sustainable model.

• Drive Cutting-Edge, High-Impact Research: You will lead groundbreaking research in the fields of mental health, livelihoods, education, and social sustainability. By partnering with world-leading academics, you’ll develop a forward-thinking research agenda aimed at publishing in top-tier journals.
• Shape Research Strategy: Develop and refine the research strategy to align with Shamiri Institute’s broader goals, setting clear objectives and defining the scope of research initiatives.
• Lead and Mentor the Research Team: Oversee recruitment, training, and professional development, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.
• Secure Funding and Manage Resources: Actively pursue funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and ensure the judicious management of research budgets.
• Ensure Research Integrity and Quality: Oversee all research processes to maintain high standards of scientific rigor and ethical compliance.
• Foster Collaborations and Partnerships: Establish and nurture relationships with academic, clinical, and community partners to enhance the Institute’s research capacity and impact.
• Communicate Research Findings: Effectively disseminate research outcomes to various stakeholders, including the academic community, policy makers, and the public.
• Translate Research into Practice and Operational Insight: Integrate research insights into practical applications and policy recommendations, particularly focusing on mental health in the African context.
• Incorporate Innovation and Technology: Stay abreast of and incorporate the latest technological advancements in research methodologies and practices.
• Engage in Advocacy and Public Engagement: Advocate for mental health issues, raise awareness, and engage with the public to promote mental health initiatives.

• PhD in Behavioral Science, Economics, Public Health, Public Policy, Social / Cognitive / Clinical Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or other relevant field.
• Deep expertise in the psychology of human wellbeing, as relates to information processing and belief revision; meaning-making and construal; mental models and representations; identity (e.g., stereotype, stigma); motivation (e.g., self-efficacy, executive function); social cognition (e.g., cultural learning, narratives); and psychological well-being (e.g., happiness, mental health).
• Demonstrated track record in the design and evaluation of psychological interventions through randomized controlled trials and A/B tests.
• Strong commitment to open science.
• Self-starter with strong program management skills; able to thrive in a start-up environment with minimal hierarchy.
• Team player with an abundance mindset.
• Preferably, significant work experience in the nonprofit sector and/or public policy.
• Preferably, significant life experience in low- and middle-income countries.

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