Research Manager

Key Responsibilities

Field Research Design and Implementation

• Design and implement rigorous, field-based qualitative and quantitative studies on rabies control strategies and impact of rabies in the community.
• Coordinate the work of field teams, consultants, and research assistants.
• Ensure that all research projects are executed on time, within scope, and meet the required scientific and ethical standards.

Data Management and Analysis

• Manage the collection of data from field sites, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of data.
• Utilize statistical software, such as R, to analyse data and identify trends, challenges, and successes in rabies control efforts.
• Produce regular reports, technical papers, and presentations summarizing research findings and recommendations.
• Monitor and track project progress, timelines, and deliverables.
• Manage data collection, analysis, manuscript preparation and submission for publication in collaboration with partners.

Stakeholder engagement

• Build collaboration with academic and government collaborators to plan and implement specific research studies relevant to the progression of rabies control in India.
• Work closely with veterinary schools, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to support research objectives and promote collaboration on rabies control initiatives.
• Engage in capacity-building activities with local veterinary professionals and field staff to ensure the successful implementation of research projects.
• Be the primary point of contact for managing our collaboration with DY Patil and MAFSU universities, supervising post-doc Fellows, Masters and Veterinary undergraduate students to conduct research with Mission Rabies.
• Facilitate workshops and seminars to share research findings and strategies for rabies control with stakeholders.
• Work with the wider Mission Rabies India Operations and Marketing teams to integrate the research strategy, communication, and findings into other aspects of Mission Rabies India to ensure ongoing optimisation of field methods and awareness.
• Periodic (monthly) meetings with MRI Operations Director to ensure alignment in approach and priorities.

Training/Capacity building

• Develop and deliver training programs to field staff and local veterinary professionals on best practices for rabies surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and epidemiological data collection.
• Present research findings at conferences and meetings.

Budget and Resource Management

• Oversee the budget for research projects, ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure that project expenditures comply with financial guidelines and donor requirements.

Required Qualifications / Skills

Education

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Veterinary Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.

Experience

At least 5 years of experience in research management, with a focus on animal health, public health, or epidemiology. Experience with rabies control, dog vaccination programs, or zoonotic disease surveillance is highly preferred.

Skills

• Proven ability to design, implement, and manage large-scale field-based research studies.
• Strong data management, cleaning, and analysis skills, with expertise in statistical software; a working ability in the use of R, or commitment to learn R is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write scientific reports and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage and supervise researchers and students to deliver high-quality research.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including collaboration with local and international stakeholders.
• Experience in capacity building and training local staff or field teams.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working in the Indian context or with Indian NGOs, government agencies, or veterinary schools.
• Familiarity with rabies control initiatives and global strategies (e.g., the World Health Organization’s (WHO) rabies elimination framework).
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of public health programs.
• Proficiency in regional languages spoken in India is a plus.

Working Conditions

• The position will be based at the Mission Rabies India office in Goa, but requires frequent travel to project sites across India.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate field research activities.
• Ability to work in rural and remote areas.