Consultant – Research Associate (Project Research Scientist III (Non-Medical))

PHFI, in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), is implementing a project titled “Co-designing a gamification module to promote healthier dietary choices and reduce ultra-processed food consumption among school adolescents.” The project aims to co-design a gamified module targeting adolescents’ (11-14 years) healthy dietary practices. It combines nutrition literacy with behavioral nudges through persuasive technology, offering an interactive and user-friendly approach. The study has been funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Proficient in managing and assuring the quality of quantitative and qualitative data, including data cleaning and validation. Experienced in designing, adapting, and implementing questionnaires and survey tools. Skilled in using statistical and qualitative analysis software such as NVivo, SPSS, STATA, and R for data analysis and interpretation. Adept at preparing analytical reports and manuscripts. Has hands-on experience in community-based and multi-centric research studies, particularly in public health–related domains, and in conducting intervention and evaluation analyses, including baseline–endline assessments and multi-site datasets.

The position will perform the following tasks:

• Assist in planning, execution, and monitoring of quantitative and qualitative research activities.
• Support survey implementation, including field coordination, supervision, and quality control.
• Lead or support quantitative and qualitative data management, cleaning, and analysis.
• Conduct descriptive and inferential analyses and assist in interpretation of findings.
• Support analysis and reporting related to behaviour change, nutrition outcomes, and intervention effects.
• Coordinate with research teams to support mixed-methods integration.
• Contribute to technical reports, manuscripts, and documentation required for the project.
• Carry out any other scientific or administrative responsibilities assigned by the Principal Investigator or Program Officer from time to time.
• Travel as required.
• Any other task assigned by the Supervisor pertaining to the above role.

Essential:

• First-class Post Graduate Degree, including the integrated PG degrees, with three years’ experience.

Desirable:

• PhD in health or allied fields.

Essential:

• Around 2-5 years of experience in conducting Public Health Research or programme implementation.

Desirable:

• More than 5 years of experience in conducting Public Health Research.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, including experience in conducting trainings, meetings, and workshops

Please note that Consultancy Fee will commensurate with available skills and fitment of the incumbent as per the selection process.

Interested and eligible candidates may send their updated CV to recruit@phfi.org and fill the application form– Application Form-Consultant-Pro. Res. Sci. III(Non-Medical)/ Res. Associate (PHFI-CNST-2609 – Fill out form. Please mention the exact Position Code (PHFI-CNST-2609) in the email subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

Last Date of Receipt of Applications: 02 March 2026.

Remarks:

• Candidates are requested to refer PHFI website for position description & process for applying. Please note only those applications will be considered which are received as per instruction written on PHFI website.
• Candidates should have an excellent academic record, good communication skills, a commitment to high quality graduate / post-graduate education.
• Mere eligibility will not entitle any candidate for being called for interview.
• Persons employed in Government/Semi-Government Organization or Educational Institutions in India must apply through proper channel.
• PHFI reserves the right to fill or not to fill any or all available positions.
• The requirements of minimum qualification and/or experience may be relaxed in the case of candidates with outstanding credentials.
• No correspondence will be entertained from candidates regarding any delays, conduct & result of interview and reasons for not being called for interview.

“PHFI reserves the sole right to alter/modify/cancel the entire selection process or the position or the vacancy or to disqualify any candidature at any stage of the selection process”.

Women are encouraged to apply!