New Opening: Data Scientist

Program Overview

The Centre for Population Health (CPH) at UGHE serves as a hub for research, education, training, and community service aimed at improving population health in Rwanda and globally.

Its flagship initiative, the Human Development and Demographic Surveillance System (HD2SS), was established in September 2025 in rural Butaro. The HD2SS:

• Generates longitudinal data on disease patterns and exposures
• Assesses epidemiological and socio-demographic impacts of health conditions
• Monitors key human development indicators
• Supports research collaborations with local and international partners

Position Overview

The Data Scientist will serve as the technical lead of HD2SS, responsible for:

• Database design and management
• Data pipeline development (ETL)
• Maintenance of data systems
• Linking field operations with research and data processing

This is a hands-on role requiring adaptability, problem-solving, and strong quantitative skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Engineering & Systems

• Manage, modify, and expand the HD2SS PostgreSQL database
• Develop and maintain ETL pipelines for survey data
• Implement systems to track vital events (births, deaths including verbal autopsy, migrations)
• Integrate HD2SS data with health facility records
• Support UGHE IT team in server management and data backup

2. Field Operations & Data Management

• Develop and implement data capture tools (e.g., Survey Solutions)
• Strengthen protocols for data cleaning, quality control, and unique identifiers
• Collaborate with research teams and field data collectors to resolve data issues
• Build tools for routine data corrections and record deduplication

3. Data Analysis & Research

• Prepare clean, well-documented datasets for analysis and publications
• Generate data visualizations and tables for research outputs
• Implement algorithms for data deduplication and linkages
• Contribute to research outputs for publications, grants, and reports

4. Training & Academic Support

• Train and supervise interns and research staff on data quality
• Support MBBS and MGHD students in practicum activities
• Collaborate with HD2SS and UGHE teams to advance population health research goals

5. Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or related quantitative field (equivalent experience may substitute)
• 3+ years of experience in database design and data pipeline development, preferably in research or public health
• Strong programming skills in Python and SQL
• Experience with relational database management

Competencies

• Translate research objectives into technical tasks and solutions
• Attention to data quality and detail
• Ability to manage long-term systems and immediate operational needs
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

•  Experience with complex longitudinal datasets
• Knowledge of survey design and data collection processes
• Experience in LMIC research or health system settings
• Communication skills in Kinyarwanda
• Familiarity with Survey Solutions software
• Experience with Git or other version control systems

Organization Profile

UGHE is a Rwanda-based university transforming global healthcare delivery. It trains the next generation of doctors, nurses, researchers, and public health leaders.

UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), a globally recognized non-profit delivering quality healthcare to marginalized communities.

Equal Opportunity & Safeguarding

UGHE and PIH are equal opportunity employers. Applicants will undergo:

• Background and safeguarding checks
• Verification of previous employment regarding fraud, harassment, or systemic abuse

The organization is committed to:

•  Protecting staff, students, and communities from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment
• Maintaining a safe, ethical, and professional work environment

Skills Required:

• Computer / Software / It / Data