Data Specialist at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

Vacancy: K09-01-19 

Project description: The Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program (MVIP) Evaluation in Kenya is a collaboration between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC)USA. The vaccine will be implemented by the National Vaccines and Immunizations Program (NVIP) in moderate to high malaria transmission settings in eight counties in Western Kenya: Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, and Vihiga.  The primary objective of this evaluation is to estimate the effect of the routine delivery of RTS,S/AS01 on all-cause mortality in children aged 5-48 months.  Secondary study objectives include evaluation of the safety and feasibility of vaccine implementation in this setting.  The Malaria Branch has a vacancy for Data Specialist for the Malaria Vaccine Pilot Evaluation study;

Reports To: Data Analyst

Essential qualifications

• Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics of Statistics from a recognized institution 
• Minimum of 3 years working in data management preferable within a research setup 
• At least 2 years’ experience working with Open Data Kit(ODK) and other web-based and tablet-based data capture systems is essential 
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills
• Experience working with relational database management systems 

Desirable qualities

• Experience in data cleaning and validation
• Experience in source data verification other quality control activities 
• Attention to details and good work ethic 
• Good judgment in problem solving, awareness of own limitations and strong internal motivation
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet set deadlines
• Must have good organizational skills
• Flexible and able to work well with minimum supervision 

Job Summary: Reporting to the Data Analyst, the Data Specialist will be responsible for the data management procedures of the various sites within MVIP evaluation components. S/he will be expected to work on various databases and therefore should be able to prioritize tasks so as to meet set deadlines. 

Specific duties and responsibilities

The data specialist will be required to;

• Conduct 100% source data verification, validation and discrepancy management
• Perform data cleaning and quality assurance and control
• Ensure all missing data are captured in compliance to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards and within strict study timelines
• Ensure that data is routinely backed up, anti-virus scans are conducted and security measures are adhered to in order to protect data
• Troubleshoot and solve common electronic data capture system problems
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry and validation
• Ensure timely response to data requests
• Provide field support to the study teams, as needed
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the PI

Terms of Employment:

• 1-year renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service and a Probation period for the first 3 months.  

Remuneration:

• Compensation is negotiable within a relevant grade, based on education levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency.  The salary scheme is based on the KEMRI scales plus supplemental amounts.