Clinical Psychologist
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Vishakhapatnam
Organization: Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC)
Organization Profile: Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) is a not-for-profit research organization that generates and translates evidence to prevent and control non-communicable (chronic) diseases in diverse low- and middle-income settings. CCDC is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is also a WHO Collaborating Centre for Surveillance, Capacity Building and Translational Research in cardio-metabolic diseases and an ICMR Collaborating Centre of Excellence.
Project Brief:
This position is funded under a collaborative research initiative of the Centre for Brain Research (CBR), Indian Institute of Science, and the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC), New Delhi. The project aims to establish a large, community-based cohort of approximately 7500 adults aged 45 years and above living in urban Visakhapatnam and rural Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh), to investigate healthy ageing, cognitive decline and major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Building on an existing population cohort, the study will conduct longitudinal assessments of lifestyle, environmental, clinical, cardiometabolic, proteomic, and genomic risk factors and relate them to cognitive trajectories and incident NCDs. Data will be collected in multiple waves using household surveys, clinical and biochemical measurements, and an extensive panel of digital assessments (gait and balance, fine motor function, speech and hearing, eye-tracking, EEG, fundus and OCT imaging, smell, sudomotor function, etc.). A subset of participants will also undergo detailed neurocognitive phenotyping using the COGNITO computerised battery and supplementary paper-and-pencil tests.
Job Description
The Clinical Psychologist will play a central role in the aforementioned collaborative project. S/he will plan and conduct neurocognitive assessments, contribute to high‑quality phenotyping of cognitive function, and support the development of early markers of cognitive impairment and dementia in the Indian context. The role involves both direct assessments in the field/clinic and coordination with a multidisciplinary team including neurologists, psychiatrists, epidemiologists, public health researchers, data scientists, and field staff.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Administer standardized neurocognitive assessments (COGNITO, brief cognitive screens, TMT, Stick Design and related tests).
2. Ensure culturally appropriate test administration and scoring for older adults from diverse backgrounds.
3. Conduct focused clinical interviews to clarify cognitive complaints, functional decline and relevant mental health history.
4. Develop, adapt and implement SOPs, manuals and workflows for neurocognitive assessments, including pilot testing and refinement.
5. Accurately score, code and enter neurocognitive data; work with data managers to address queries and maintain quality control.
6. Record clinical observations relevant to interpretation of cognitive data and contribute to data dictionaries/codebooks.
7. Screen for cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, and flag high‑risk cases per protocol.
8. Provide brief feedback and referral guidance to participants and families, while maintaining high ethical standards in consent, privacy and communication.
9. Contribute to procedures for managing incidental findings and participate in project meetings, reports and presentations.
10. Support community engagement and dissemination activities, including sensitizing participants and families to cognitive aging and dementia.
11. Undertake any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
12. Participate in project meetings, trainings and monitoring visits.
Responsibilities and Requirements
Educational Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from a recognised institution (M.Phil Clinical Psychology or equivalent preferred). Registration with relevant professional/regulatory body.
Skills & Experience
- Demonstrated experience of more than three years in neuropsychological/ cognitive assessment of adults or older adults, working with patients with cognitive impairment, dementia, neurological or psychiatric conditions.
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of cognitive domains (attention, memory, language, executive function, visuospatial abilities), standard neuropsychological tests and clinical interviewing.
- Familiarity with computerised cognitive testing platforms (tablet- or computer-based).
- Comfort in working within multidisciplinary teams and with digital/biomedical researchers.
- Proficiency in Telugu (spoken) and English (spoken and written) Prior experience in community-based or epidemiological research and working with low- literacy/rural populations will be an advantage.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage sensitively with older adults and caregivers.
- Good organizational skills and willingness to travel within Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli study areas as required.
Application Process Information
- Please send a detailed CV along with a cover letter to jobs@ccdcindia.org with the title “Clinical Psychologist” in the subject line.
- Along with the above submission please fill this form with some basic details.
- Please note applicants who have submitted both the resume and the information on the form link will be considered further for the shortlisting and interview process.
- Last date for sending your application is 10th August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview at the earliest.
Compensation: As per experience, qualifications and applicable guidelines.
