PhD Studentship – Epidemiology & Population Health

Department: Population Health

Division: Medical College

Location:  Nairobi, Kenya

Project Overview

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Department of Population Health (DPH) at AKU is implementing the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK)—a large, multi-site, population-based cohort study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA). LOSHAK forms part of a global network of ageing studies and is designed to generate high-quality longitudinal evidence to inform policy and practice in Kenya and internationally.

Role Summary

The Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK) is a flagship population-based cohort platform designed to generate high-quality evidence on ageing, health transitions, and the social and environmental determinants of later-life wellbeing in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. LOSHAK integrates large-scale household surveys, environmental and geospatial data, biomarker information, and contextual social and climate-related exposures, and is embedded within regional and global networks on ageing, climate, and health.

·       The PhD Studentship is for candidates already enrolled in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, Public Health, or a closely related discipline, who are at or near completion of coursework and ready to enter the research phase of their doctorate.

·       This studentship is ideal for a highly motivated early-career researcher seeking to undertake a doctoral project focused on survey research, ageing, and cognitive epidemiology in LMICs, using LOSHAK as the primary research platform. 

·       The PhD Student will design and implement an independent doctoral research project embedded within LOSHAK, contributing to:

·       Population-based survey research on ageing and health.

·       Measurement and analysis of cognitive function and cognitive ageing.

·       Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and functional decline in older adults.

·       Methodological innovation in ageing research in LMIC settings.

·       The role combines rigorous academic research with hands-on engagement in large-scale field and data systems.

Key Responsibilities

Doctoral research design

Develop a doctoral protocol aligned with LOSHAK priorities; refine research questions and analytical framework; secure ethics and regulatory approvals

Survey & field research

Design, pilot, and implement survey modules or sub-studies on ageing and cognition; participate in LOSHAK field operations and QA processes

Data management & analysis

Curate, clean, and analyze longitudinal survey and cognitive data; apply appropriate epidemiological and statistical methods

Scholarly outputs

Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; present findings at academic fora 

Platform & team engagement

Contribute to LOSHAK platform activities; engage with multidisciplinary teams; support junior researchers where appropriate

Professional development

Build skills in ageing research, cognitive measurement, and longitudinal methods; engage in relevant training

Required Qualifications

Registered in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, Public Health, Biostatistics, Demography, or related field

Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase

Strong grounding in epidemiological methods and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python)

Demonstrated interest in ageing, cognitive health, or life-course epidemiology.

Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project.

Excellent academic writing and communication skills.

Relevant Experience

Prior experience in population-based survey research.

Familiarity with LMIC field research environments.

Experience with longitudinal data analysis.

Interest in cognitive testing, mental health, or functional ageing.

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

Demonstrates high scientific integrity and attention to detail. 

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. 

Strong communication skills and collaboration.

Culturally sensitive and adaptable in diverse environments. 

Commitment to learning and Professional Development.