Position Overview:
The Research Assistant will support a research project examining the clinical management and long-term consequences of war-related injuries in Iraq. The project seeks to understand how war- related injuries were clinically managed across major conflicts in Iraq from 2003 to 2017, as well as how individuals living with war-related injuries and their caregivers have experienced and managed the long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences of these injuries. The position will have a strong focus on transcription, translation, and qualitative data management. The Research Assistant will work extensively with recorded interviews conducted in Arabic with patients, caregivers, and medical professionals who provided care to individuals with war-related injuries, including during periods of mass casualty events. The Research Assistant will be responsible for producing accurate, detailed, and contextually sensitive English transcripts and translations while preserving the meaning and nuances of participants' accounts. The role will also involve organizing qualitative interview data and supporting the wider research team in the analysis of interview materials. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Arabic and English, with excellent transcription and translation skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work sensitively with interviews concerning injury, trauma, medical care, and long-term experiences of living with disability. Knowledge of Kurdish is an advantage but is not required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Transcribe and translate recorded interviews with patients, caregivers, and medical staff.
- Produce accurate and detailed English transcripts from interviews conducted primarily in Arabic, preserving the meaning, context, and nuances of participants' accounts.
- Ensure accuracy and consistency in transcription and translation, including appropriate handling of medical terminology, local expressions, and culturally specific references.
- Review and proofread transcripts to ensure completeness, clarity, and fidelity to the original recordings.
- Organize and maintain interview transcripts, audio recordings, and associated research materials in accordance with project protocols.
- Support the coding and organization of qualitative interview data using appropriate research tools and software.
- Work closely with IRIS researchers and the wider research team to clarify interview content and address transcription or translation issues.
- Assist with the preliminary organization and synthesis of interview data where required. Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive personal, medical, and interview information.
- Assist with fieldwork-related logistical and administrative tasks, including coordination of interviews conducted in Baghdad and Mosul.
- Contribute to research notes, summaries, reports, and other project outputs as required.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, or a related field is preferred but not required.
- Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken, is required.
- Strong Arabic-to-English transcription and translation skills.
- Excellent written English, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and well-structured transcripts.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and accurately transcribe nuanced or sensitive information.
- Experience with qualitative research, interview transcription, translation, or data management is an asset.
- Familiarity with medical terminology or experience working with medical or healthcare- related material is an advantage.
- Ability to work sensitively and professionally with accounts involving injury, trauma, loss, and other difficult experiences.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a large volume of interview material. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain a high standard of accuracy.
- Willingness and ability to travel to Baghdad and Mosul when required for project activities. Knowledge of Kurdish is an advantage but is not required.
Contract Details:
- Duration: Project-based.
- Location: Sulaimaniyah, with potential travel to Baghdad and Mosul as required by the project.
- Working arrangements: Full-time, with substantial time dedicated to transcription, translation, and qualitative data management.
- Reporting: The Research Assistant will report directly to the Director of IRIS and work closely with the project research team.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter to [email protected].
