1. Evaluating Mindful Gratitude Practices to Reduce Age-Related Inflammation and Loneliness in Senior Living Residents: A Mixed-Methods Study
RGMS Research Grant
Taylor's Internal Research Grant Scheme - Impact Lab Grant
This research project explores how simple mindfulness and gratitude practices can help reduce loneliness and inflammation in elderly individuals living in senior care settings. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining both surveys and biological markers (like blood tests) with interviews to understand how these practices impact emotional well-being and physical health.
The intervention will involve weekly sessions focused on mindful gratitude, delivered over several weeks, with the aim of improving connection, emotional resilience, and overall wellness in older adults.
As the Research Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting participant coordination, data collection, session logistics, and overall research management to help bring this meaningful project to life.
Dr Mugilarasi @ Mekala A/P Arasarethinam
TIRGS-ILG/2/2024/SOM/001
01/05/2026
Research Assistant
Full Time
09/05/2025
Degree
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate full-time Research Assistant (RA) to support the coordination and implementation of a mixed-methods study examining how mindfulness and gratitude practices impact loneliness and inflammatory markers in elderly residents.
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that integrates emotional well-being, mind-body science, and holistic elder care. The RA will work closely with the principal investigator to manage day-to-day operations of the project, including participant coordination, intervention support, and data collection.
Responsibilities: Assist in planning and coordinating mindfulness-based gratitude sessions for elderly participants
Support recruitment, consent, and ongoing engagement of participants in collaboration with the senior living center staff
Collect, organize, and manage both qualitative (interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (questionnaires, biological markers) data
Liaise with external labs for inflammation biomarker testing
Maintain accurate and confidential documentation, including logs, reports, and ethical compliance forms
Manage scheduling, reminders, and logistics of sessions
Assist in data entry, transcription, coding, and preliminary analysis
Attend regular project meetings and provide progress updates
Requirement : Bachelor’s degree or above in public health, psychology, medical sciences, social work, or a related field
Taylor's alumni
Previous research experience, especially in qualitative and/or mixed-methods studies, is an advantage
Passion for working with elderly populations and understanding of their emotional and health-related needs
Strong organizational and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively within a research team
Fluent in Bahasa Malaysia and English; proficiency in additional local languages is a bonus
Please send your CV and a short paragraph on why you're interested in this role to:
Dr. Mugilarasi Arasarethinam
mugil.arasarethinam@taylors.edu.my
TEL /WhatsApp: +60-123859054
Subject line: RA Application – Mindful Gratitude Study
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.