Research Head

Core Mission: To transition Thanal into a data-driven, research-oriented organization that validates its social impact through rigorous scientific inquiry.

The Research Head will lead the design and execution of Thanal's inaugural research department. This role is dual-faceted: acting as a strategic mentor to existing functional heads to foster a research mindset, while simultaneously building and managing a core team of researchers and assistants to produce high-quality, actionable data in the fields of rehabilitation, social welfare, and community health.

• Capacity Building: Conduct workshops for existing Functional Heads (Clinical, Operations, Social Work) to integrate data collection into their daily workflows.

• Cultural Shift: Translate complex research goals into practical, everyday objectives that the team can rally behind.

• Framework Development: Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ethical data collection across all Thanal programs.

• Recruitment: Identify, hire, and onboard a core research team, including Research Associates, Data Analysts, and Field Assistants.

• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to the team on methodology, literature reviews, and statistical analysis.

• Performance Management: Set KPIs for the research team that align with Thanal's 20262028 strategic goals.

• Design & Methodology: Lead the development of longitudinal studies and impact assessment frameworks for Thanal's rehabilitation programs.

• Grant Writing & Funding: Identify research grant opportunities and lead the drafting of proposals to secure external funding.

• Publication & Advocacy: Oversee the drafting of white papers, journal articles, and reports to be presented at national and international forums.

  
  
  

• Education: Ph.D. or Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Psychology, Rehabilitation Science, or a related field.

• Experience: 8+ years in a research-intensive role, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.

  • Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

  • Experience in the NGO/Non-profit sector is highly preferred.

• Skills: Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (SPSS, R, or Stata).

  • Exceptional Soft Skillsthe ability to persuade and coach non-research staff.

  • Fluency in Malayalam and English is essential for local community engagement and global reporting.