Senior Researcher Institute of AgeCare Research (IAR)

Reports to:

Location

Tenure:

Role Overview

The position will be a key player in IAR's multidisciplinary research, responsible for designing and executing original studies that inform national ageing policy and care practices. This position will lead primary data collection and analysis while powering research initiatives that shape the Institute's knowledge base and advocacy efforts. The role requires not only research expertise but a commitment to mentoring other research staff and fostering evidence-driven collaboration with external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Leading Research Project

o Lead rigorous data collection effortssurveys, interviews, focus groupsand ensure high-quality, ethical sampling and fieldwork standards.

Advanced Data Analysis & Knowledge Creation

o Analyze complex datasets from HelpAge India programs and external sources to extract actionable insights, identify trends, and generate policy recommendations.

o Develop and maintain research databases, thematic knowledge hubs, and contribute to building a comprehensive data repository for the Institute.

o Author policy briefs, academic articles, and flagship reports based on empirical findings.

Strategic Planning & Collaboration

o Assist the Director in refining the Institute's research agenda, strategic priorities, monitoring & evaluation (M&E) frameworks, and baseline studies.

o Collaborate on partnership-driven research proposals with academic institutions, universities, government, and NGOs; represent IAR in research forums and joint study initiatives.

Capacity Building & Dissemination

o Support outreach and knowledge-sharing by organizing and contributing to conferences, workshops, seminars, and fellowship programs.

o Mentor Junior Research Associates, research fellows, and interns, promoting methodological rigor and analytical skills development.

Quality Control, KPIs & Reporting

o Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for research process excellence, output quality, and policy influence.

o Prepare annual research performance reports and lead stakeholder feedback reviews.

Ethics & Inclusivity

o Uphold strict ethical standards in all research processes, ensuring data security, confidentiality, and inclusivity for diverse elderly populations, with attention to gender, disability, and marginalized communities.

Qualifications & Experience

PhD /Post-Graduate in Gerontology, Social Sciences, Public Health, Economics, or related discipline (ageing specialization preferred).

8-10 years progressive experience in social sector research, policy analysis, or data-driven program evaluation, ideally within NGOs, academic institutions, or government projects.

Proven record of designing and executing interdisciplinary research and publishing in peer-reviewed forums.

Skills & Competencies

Expertise in research design, data collection, and advanced quantitative/qualitative analysis.

Proficiency in statistical tools: SPSS, R, Python, or similar; ability to visualize and communicate complex findings clearly.

Exceptional analytical thinking and writing for reports, policy papers, and publications.

Strong project management, teamwork, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Familiarity with India's ageing policy environment, SDGs, and contemporary challenges such as urbanization and technological exclusion.

Commitment to ethical research practice and capacity building.

HelpAge India is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without prejudice to caste, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, disability or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws. Interested candidates may apply within 15 days of this advertisement, with a cover /motivation letter a long with details of last salary drawn, expected salary, and three professional referees.