Senior Research Specialist job at StrongMinds

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

StrongMinds (SM) is a global nonprofit organization driven by the fundamental belief that mental health is a human right and the foundation of thriving families and communities. At StrongMinds (SM), we deploy ground-breaking innovations to bring free, evidence-based, culturally relevant mental health care to the world’s most under-resourced populations. StrongMinds is committed to turning the tide against mental health disparities, ensuring everyone has the support they need to lead healthy, productive, satisfying lives. Our mission is to democratize access to mental health care for people with depression globally.

Since 2013, we have treated depression in over 1,000,000 people in Africa, primarily in Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya. Over the next decade, we will expand globally. StrongMinds has earned an impressive reputation as a high-impact, cost-effective charity. We were featured as a TIME100 Health innovator in the global mental health space, and in media outlets that include The New York Times, Forbes, BBC World Service, and the Stanford Social Innovation Review. The UK organization Founder’s Pledge says, “StrongMinds is among the most cost-effective options available to donors seeking to improve people’s quality of life.”

The Opportunity

We seek a highly analytical and innovative Senior Research Specialist to lead evidence generation that strengthens and scales our depression treatment model.

Responsibilities or duties

• Research Design & Leadership – Lead development of study concepts, protocols, and tools aligned with organizational priorities.
• Data Management & Analysis – Manage datasets and conduct advanced statistical analyses using Stata/R.
• Publications & Knowledge Sharing – Produce peer-reviewed articles, briefs, and presentations.
• Field Coordination & Supervision – Recruit, train, and supervise field teams to ensure high-quality data collection.
• SOPs & Process Improvement – Develop and refine SOPs to strengthen research processes.
• Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement – Prepare timely reports and facilitate engagement to inform program decisions.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, Statistics, Quantitative Economics, Population Studies, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in Stata and R.
• Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills.

Experience needed

• At least 7 years research experience.
• Demonstrated peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience with large-scale research design and field team supervision.
• Mental health research experience is an added advantage.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

StrongMinds Core Values

• People Focused • Think Big & Act Fast • Data Driven • We Do What We Say • Collaboration Over Competition

• Research Design & Leadership – Lead development of study concepts, protocols, and tools aligned with organizational priorities.
• Data Management & Analysis – Manage datasets and conduct advanced statistical analyses using Stata/R.
• Publications & Knowledge Sharing – Produce peer-reviewed articles, briefs, and presentations.
• Field Coordination & Supervision – Recruit, train, and supervise field teams to ensure high-quality data collection.
• SOPs & Process Improvement – Develop and refine SOPs to strengthen research processes.
• Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement – Prepare timely reports and facilitate engagement to inform program decisions.

• Stata
• R
• Data Management
• Statistical Analysis
• Research Design
• Field Team Supervision
• Communication
• Writing
• Analytical Skills

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, Statistics, Quantitative Economics, Population Studies, or related field.
• Demonstrated peer‑reviewed publications.