Qualitative Research Intern within the Epidemiology and Public Health Unit
Deadline: 10th June 2025
The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is a Cambodian non-for-profit research institution established in 1953, IPC is today a scientific research establishment declared of public utility placed under the high patronage of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia and under the responsibility of the Institute Pasteur on the scientific and technical levels. The IPC is a member of the Pasteur Network, which brings together over 30 institutes present on five continents. It shares the Pasteurian values and the ethical charter to which the Pasteur Institutes are bound. The IPC has around 300 employees, including about 30 expatriates of 22 nationalities and includes 5 research units. It carries out research activities in health biology, public health and service activities (Medical Biology Laboratory, vaccinations and water and food analyses) and training.
The Epidemiology and Public Health Unit of the IPC conducts operational epidemiological research studies on major public health challenges in Cambodia. Specifically, the work carried out aims to improve the understanding of the transmission of infectious and emerging diseases and to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of priority pathologies in the most vulnerable populations. The Unit leads and contributes to multi-partner international research initiatives supported by major global funders such as the Welcome Trust, the Pasteur Network, French and international development cooperation funds, as well as other key international donors.
We are seeking a motivated and conscientious Qualitative Research Intern to support the collection, documentation and analysis of qualitative data from communities within the Epidemiology and Public Health Unit at the IPC.
Why Join IPC?
The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and empowering workplace. We promote transparency, non-discrimination, and professional development for all staff.
By joining IPC, you will:
- Work in an internationally collaborative and respectful environment
- Contribute meaningfully to public health and high-impact scientific research.
- Access continuous learning opportunities tailored to your career path.
- Be part of a team that actively supports gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Join an institution recognized for its integrity, innovation, and global scientific partnerships
Position Overview:
This internship is an opportunity for practice-based learning in an interdisciplinary research environment. The Intern will work in Methodology and Data Analysis Group under the supervision of the leader of the Social Science team in conducting interviews and field observations, as well as preparing and analyzing the data collected.
Recruitment conditions:
- Position: Full-time.
- Contract: Internship.
- Start Date: As soon as possible.
- Benefits: Internship allowance; Annual Leaves and Public Holidays; Multicultural environment with staff from 22 nationalities; Opportunities for career development.
Main responsibilities:
- Data Collection:
- Conduct in-depth interviews and/or focus group discussions following research protocols.
- Ensure ethical and respectful engagement with participants, including informed consent.
- Help to accurately record, transcribe, and translate qualitative data if need.
- Research Implementation Support:
- Participate in testing interview guides and give feedback to help improve them.
- Help adjust research methods to fit the local language and culture.
- Write down notes and observations during or after interviews.
- Quality Assurance & Data Management:
- Ensure timely and complete documentation of interviews.
- Follow data security and confidentiality protocols.
- Work with supervisors to point out and fix any mistakes in the data.
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement:
- Help build trust with local communities and partners.
- Support the organization of community meetings or events to share results.
- Analysis & Interpretation:
- Assist with the first steps of analyzing qualitative data (like coding and finding key themes).
- Contribute insights from the field to enrich contextual understanding during team discussions.
Candidate Profile:
- Qualifications:
- Currently studying or with a background in one of the following fields: Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, Public Health, Psychology, Development Studies, Social Work, or related discipline.
- Some prior experience in fieldwork, working with communities, or social science research in health is a plus.
- Experience with interviews, ethnographic observation, or focus group discussions is an asset.
- Familiarity with medical, public health, or NGO environments is an advantage.
- Skills:
- Fluency in Khmer is required; good spoken and written English is essential; French is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; respectful and culturally sensitive.
- Comfortable discussing sensitive topics with discretion and professionalism.
- Organized, reliable, flexible, and able to work independently in the field.
- Basic knowledge of transcription, translation, or qualitative data tools (such as NVivo or Atlas.ti) is a plus, but not required.
The complete application includes a cover letter, copies of diplomas if any, work certificates, curriculum vitae with a recent photo, Identity Card photocopy – all certified documents to the originals – are to be sent to the Human Resources department of Institut Pasteur du Cambodge #5, Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh or by email to: [email protected], phone number: 092 777 665.