PhD Studentship - Neuropsychology & Cognitive Assessment in Ageing
Department: Population Health
Division: Medical College
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.
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, cognitive health, and functional transitions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. LOSHAK integrates large-scale household surveys, cognitive and functional assessments, biospecimen collection, and longitudinal follow-up, creating a unique infrastructure for advancing neurocognitive measurement in African populations.
The PhD Studentship is for candidates already enrolled in a PhD Programme in Neuropsychology, Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, 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 the development, adaptation, deployment, validation, and analysis of neurocognitive tests for ageing populations in LMIC settings, using LOSHAK as the primary research platform.
The PhD Student will design and implement an independent doctoral research project embedded within LOSHAK, contributing to:
·Development and cultural adaptation of neurocognitive test batteries.
·Field deployment and quality assurance of cognitive assessments at scale.
·Psychometric validation of neurocognitive instruments in LMIC contexts.
·Longitudinal analysis of cognitive trajectories and impairment.
·Establishment of scalable, context-appropriate cognitive assessment systems for Africa.
The role combines rigorous neuropsychological science with population-based field research and longitudinal epidemiology.
Key Responsibilities
Doctoral research design
Develop a PhD protocol focused on neurocognitive measurement; define constructs, instruments, and validation framework; secure ethics and regulatory approvals
Test development & adaptation
Lead adaptation, translation, and cultural validation of neurocognitive instruments; design test batteries for ageing populations
Field deployment & quality assurance
Train and supervise assessors; embed cognitive testing into LOSHAK field workflows; implement quality assurance systems
Psychometric analysis & longitudinal modelling
Conduct reliability, validity, and measurement-invariance analyses; model cognitive trajectories over time
Scholarly outputs
Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; disseminate findings to scientific and policy audiences
Platform & team engagement
Contribute to LOSHAK cognitive assessment platform; engage multidisciplinary teams (epidemiology, psychiatry, data science)
Professional development
Build expertise in neuropsychological methods, psychometrics, and longitudinal analysis; complete relevant training
Required Qualifications
Registered in a PhD Programme in Neuropsychology, Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Public Health, or related field.
Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase.
Strong grounding in psychological measurement and quantitative methods (STATA, R, Python).
Demonstrated interest in ageing, cognition, or mental health.
Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project.
Excellent academic writing and communication skills.
Relevant Experience
Experience with cognitive or psychological testing.
Familiarity with psychometric methods (e.g., reliability, factor analysis, IRT).
Exposure to population-based or field research.
Interest in cross-cultural measurement and LMIC research contexts.
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.
