Aga Khan University Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan and Nairobi, Kenya are private, not-for-profit institutions providing high quality health care. The Main Hospitals serve as the principal sites for clinical training for the University's Medical Colleges and Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Pakistan and East Africa. Our Vision of Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi is to be the premier, tertiary, teaching and referral health care facility in sub-Saharan Africa. ​For over fifty years, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH) has been taking care of families in East Africa. As a private, not-for-profit hospital, we strive to provide access to quality healthcare to all who need it. At AKUH, patients are our first priority. Our team of medical professionals, faculty and staff are here to provide you and your loved ones with the highest standards of healthcare. We are committed to working together to ensure that you and your family receive outstanding medical services, first-rate facilities and compassionate care. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi has set the standard for comprehensive healthcare and modern medical education in East Africa. Our dedicated staff, advanced facilities and state-of-the-art technologies have earned the hospital great reputation as a leading medical institution and teaching hospital in the region, and beyond. Patients benefit from our unique team-based approach to car​e, which enables you to benefit from the diverse expertise of our entire team of medical professionals. As the teaching hospital for Aga Khan University’s Medical College and School of Nursing and Midwifery, we practice an evidence-based approach to medicine, driven by the cutting-edge research conducted by our experienced faculty members. Our approach to care is guided by our core principles of Quality, Access, Impact and Relevance.​Role Summary 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, health transitions, and the social and environmental determinants of later-life wellbeing in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. LOSHAK integrates large-scale household surveys, environmental and geospatial data, biomarker information, and contextual social and climate-related exposures, and is embedded within regional and global networks on ageing, climate, and health. The PhD Studentship is for candidates already enrolled in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, 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 survey research, ageing, and cognitive epidemiology in LMICs, using LOSHAK as the primary research platform.   The PhD Student will design and implement an independent doctoral research project embedded within LOSHAK, contributing to: Population-based survey research on ageing and health. Measurement and analysis of cognitive function and cognitive ageing. Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and functional decline in older adults. Methodological innovation in ageing research in LMIC settings. The role combines rigorous academic research with hands-on engagement in large-scale field and data systems. Key Responsibilities Doctoral research design Develop a doctoral protocol aligned with LOSHAK priorities; refine research questions and analytical framework; secure ethics and regulatory approvals Survey & field research Design, pilot, and implement survey modules or sub-studies on ageing and cognition; participate in LOSHAK field operations and QA processes Data management & analysis Curate, clean, and analyze longitudinal survey and cognitive data; apply appropriate epidemiological and statistical methods Scholarly outputs Produce thesis chapters; prepare manuscripts; present findings at academic fora  Platform & team engagement Contribute to LOSHAK platform activities; engage with multidisciplinary teams; support junior researchers where appropriate Professional development Build skills in ageing research, cognitive measurement, and longitudinal methods; engage in relevant training Required Qualifications Registered in a PhD Programme in Epidemiology, Population Health, Public Health, Biostatistics, Demography, or related field Completed or nearing completion of PhD coursework and ready for the research phase Strong grounding in epidemiological methods and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python) Demonstrated interest in ageing, cognitive health, or life-course epidemiology. Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year research project. Excellent academic writing and communication skills. Relevant Experience Prior experience in population-based survey research. Familiarity with LMIC field research environments. Experience with longitudinal data analysis. Interest in cognitive testing, mental health, or functional ageing. 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.