Social Scientist

Social Scientist at Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme

POSITION: SOCIAL SCIENTIST (2 positions) Location: Mangochi and Zomba

OVERVIEW The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW) is seeking to hire two Social Scientists for the THRIVE project, focusing on community resilience and health systems in vulnerable environments.

POSITION FUNCTION The Social Scientists will lead field and data-related aspects of the THRIVE Study, working on work packages 1 and 3, and contributing to study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for study protocols and data tools.
• Plan, monitor, and evaluate data collection processes.
• Train and mentor citizen ethnographers for quality data collection.
• Conduct quality checks of transcripts and report protocol deviations.
• Coordinate field teams and ensure consenting, safeguarding, and ethics.
• Communicate with study communities, District Health Office, and partners.
• Oversee project management, budgetary, and logistical tasks.
• Lead or contribute to scientific manuscripts and policy briefs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in sociology, public health, or related social science.
• 3+ years of research and project management experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Experience with community-based health research and ethnographic methods.
• Fluent in Chichewa (Yao is an asset).

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptable to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS MLW offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive salary, medical aid, insurance, pension scheme, and gratuity benefits.

How to Apply Send application and detailed CV with 3 referees to: vacancies@mlw.mw Subject line: SOCIAL SCIENTIST – THRIVE Deadline: 10th April 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.