Call for Applications - Part Time Consultant: "Exploring the regulation of the digital health ecosystem in India"
The Centre for Internet and Society, India (CIS) is seeking applications from individuals with interest and experience in studying or research on digitisation of healthcare, with specific focus on the several apps that have been deployed during the Covid pandemic and thereafter on mental health apps.
The focus of these apps range from providing mind relaxing techniques to providing therapy options to users. We are looking at analysing the privacy policies employed by such apps and developing a template that could be used by the apps to strengthen their data protection policies.
We are looking for an applicant with strong qualitative research skills, to join us as a part time researcher for a period of 6 months starting from May 20, 2024.
The deadline for applications is May 13, 2024.
Applications are strongly encouraged from individuals belonging to historically marginalised communities, including caste-oppressed communities, women, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with a disability/disabilities.
Scope of Work
The researcher will undertake primary research on a project that aims to
a. map the different mental health apps developed by private actors and by the government both at the central and the state level;
b. assess the privacy policies and terms of use of the apps.; and
c. developing a template of the privacy policies and terms of use of the mental health apps. The researcher will also be expected to provide support in outreach and dissemination activities. Subject to time commitments and inclination, the researcher may also have opportunities to collaborate with other research clusters at CIS.
This is a part-time research position (a maximum of 20 hours per week), for a duration of 6 months.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities for this position include:
Authorship
- Co-author the production of the final report, outlining learnings from the research and study, and the development of a template/framework for the privacy policies and terms of use of the mental health apps in India.
- Participate in the production of accessible and non-traditional outputs including multimedia content, brochures, translations, etc.
Outreach
- Participate in, and help organise outreach events such as conferences, seminars, events, panels, etc.
Requirements
Essential
- A masters’ degree and/or relevant research experience of 3+ years in social sciences, technology studies, health, journalism, public policy, development studies, or related fields.
- Strong writing skills, and ability to produce accessible research for a variety of audiences, including policy makers, journalists, academia and non-expert groups.
- Familiarity with developments in, and literature on (but not limited to) the digital health ecosystem, Artificial Intelligence, data privacy and regulation.
Desirable
- Proficiency in any one or more Indian languages.
- Experience in conducting industry research in the area of healthcare activities.
Consultancy fee
A gross figure of INR 35,000 per month (commensurate with the relevance of prior work, skill set and qualification), subject to applicable statutory deductions.
Covid-19 considerations
CIS has transitioned into a ‘remote-first’ workplace, and we expect work-from-home protocols (with the option to work out of CIS’s Bengaluru office available) to be in place for the foreseeable future.
Application materials
Please send in the below application materials as a merged PDF/Word/Open Office Document file to [email protected], cc’ing [email protected] by May 13, 2024.
- Your resume or CV.
- Cover letter (upto 500 words). You may reflect upon and describe your prior and ongoing research experience.
- 2 writing samples. Typically published, these should be relevant to the requirements for this position and may display your writing versatility.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about the position. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements!
Expected Start Date- May 20, 2024
