Senior Research Fellow (Qualitative)

Position Code : PHFI-SERF-2607

Position Title : Senior Research Fellow (Qualitative)

No. of Positions : 2

Location : Bangalore and Bhubaneswar

Duration of Position : 01 Year or co-terminus with the project, whichever is earlier

Brief On The Organization:

The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) is working towards building a healthier India. It is helping to address the limited institutional and systems capacity in India by strengthening education and training, advancing research and technology and facilitating policy and practice in the area of Public Health. PHFI is headquartered in New Delhi with national presence through its constituent units of regional Indian Institutes of Public Health (IIPHs) and Centers of Applied Research in core public health themes. The Foundation, established in 2006 as a public private initiative, is governed by an independent board comprising of senior government officials, eminent Indian and International academic and leaders, civil society representatives and corporate leaders. For more information, please visit the website www.phfi.org .

Project Brief:

The Public health foundation of India is implementing a project “ Meeting the Challenge of Urban PHC Systems in India – A Learning Sites Approach”. This research project is funded by University college of London and will be carried out in close collaboration with PHFI and IIT Kanpur across three learning sites: Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, and Kanpur. The proposed multi-centric research aims to systematically examine the challenges and gaps in urban primary healthcare systems. The study will employ rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods, including primary data collection, secondary data review, and comprehensive stakeholder consultations. The project seeks to actively engage with the State Government, Urban Local Bodies, and other relevant stakeholders to better understand context-specific issues at each site. This study aims to generate evidence and policy recommendations to strengthen and improve urban primary healthcare systems in India.

Deliverables:

The position will perform the following tasks:

• Conduct desk and literature review.
• Support in development of qualitative data collection tools (e.g. interview guides, focus group guides).
• Conduct qualitative data collection in the field (interviews, focus groups, observations, etc.).
• Plan and coordinate field data collection activities, and monitor data quality and progress.
• Train and support field staff or data collectors on qualitative research methods.
• Collect, organize, and manage qualitative data from field sites.
• Lead and/or support qualitative data analysis using appropriate software (e.g., Atlas.ti, NVivo).
• Support planning and organization of trainings, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the PI/Co-I or supervisor from time to time.
• Prepare relevant sections of study protocol, data management plan, and analysis plan.
• Contribute to report writing, presentations, and manuscript preparation.
• Coordination with Government health officials, urban local bodies and local civil society organizations working on urban health.
• Conduction and organising meeting with partner and other stake holder.
• Analyse qualitative data and produce report based upon qualitative findings.
• Help the team for writing a report.
  
  

Qualification:

Essential:

• Master’s degree in Public Health or any other allied discipline from a reputed institute.
  
  

Desirable:

• PhD in public health topic using qualitative research methods.
  
  

Experience:

Essential:

• Around 6+ years of qualitative research experience after Master’s. PhD period will be counted as work experience.
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience analysis of qualitative data using software such as Atlas.ti, NVivo, or other relevant tools.
• Proven track record of publications or reports based on qualitative research.
  
  

We are looking to recruit two candidates for this position, with one position based in Bangalore and one position based in Bhubaneswar.

Please note that Annual Salary (CTC) 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- Senior Research Fellow (Qualitative) (PHFI-SERF-2607) – Fill out form. Please mention the exact Position Code (PHFI-SERF-2607) in the email subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

Last Date of Receipt of Applications: 20 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!