Early Post-doctoral Researcher-Challenge Studies at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

The overall purpose of this post is to undertake research under the human infection (challenge) platform. This will need to be undertaken under good clinical practice ensuring compliance with regulatory, statutory and programme policies including other related clinical and/or research activities and execution of research studies.

The post holder will be responsible for day-to-day research activities, develop research ideas, and oversee a team of staff. The post holder will work as lead on specific area of work; contribute to tasks preparatory to the project(s), where applicable, to tasks including developing and submitting protocols, developing study work plans, organising, and conducting training for project-specific staff; and ensure compliance of all study staff to good practices and procedures. Although these are the primary responsibilities, the post-holder will also be involved in higher level responsibilities for ensuring all activities and procedures are carried out to quality standards, managing, and leading a team whilst expected to share the load and as guided by the PI.

This post is open to qualified PhD holders in a relevant field with research experience and will be funded for a three-year period. The post-holder is expected to develop research methods and to execute programme management as well as roles in data management, sample/specimen management, data analysis, and report writing and scientific dissemination through publication writing and presentations. The post is demanding, involving attention to detail and timescales, and strong engagement with various stakeholders and collaborators

Description: 

JOB DIMENSIONS:

The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) conducts high quality research on diseases with the highest burden in developing countries. The programme is recognised internationally within the fields of international public health, clinical tropical medicine, epidemiology, and immunology. The programme aims to maximise opportunities for learning and training to maintain a cadre of highly skilled and experienced staff from all disciplines.

The human infection (challenge) platform currently comprises of conducting clinical trials in two disease areas, malaria and Shigella with the aim of aim of accelerating vaccine development through evaluation of investigational products such as vaccines, identifying correlates of protection and/or correlates of immunity, and understanding of naturally acquired immunity. This involves the deliberate infection of healthy volunteers with infection causing agents (e.g., malaria and Shigella).

The post holder will need to be self-sufficient and be able to work with minimal supervision against demanding yet often unpredictable timelines. The post is mentally demanding and involves a high level of communication. The post holder may also be required to contribute to other linked projects.

The post-holder will be based in Kilifi working within an experienced team and research group.

REPORTS TO: Principal investigator

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Key team members for the designated role

INDIRECTLY SUPERVISES: None

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Will be responsible for managing budget allocated to work activities, work planning and task allocation, requisition and procurement of supplies, consumables and ensuring sensible use of resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently oversee and coordinate all activities according to GCP and protocol requirements.
• Prepare and execute research plans in liaison with other study teams including international collaborating partners.
• Take the lead in/contribute to study/clinical trial set up, identification of resource requirements, documentation of protocols, and staff training and as required.
• Supervise and mentor other study team members.
• Lead the collection, processing, compilation, and analysis of study data/samples and ensure all related records and reports are handled and managed in line with study protocols.
• Prepare, analyse, and present research summaries to Kilifi County public health staff, international collaborators, sponsors and at international conferences and meetings.
• KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Independently oversee and coordinate all activities according to GCP and protocol requirements.
• Prepare and execute research plans in liaison with other study teams including international collaborating partners.
• Take the lead in/contribute to study/clinical trial set up, identification of resource requirements, documentation of protocols, and staff training and as required.
• Supervise and mentor other study team members.
• Lead the collection, processing, compilation, and analysis of study data/samples and ensure all related records and reports are handled and managed in line with study protocols.
• Prepare, analyse, and present research summaries to Kilifi County public health staff, international collaborators, sponsors and at international conferences and meetings.
• Liaise with data management teams to ensure that all data is entered into relevant databases on time and verified.
• Carry out data analysis and interpretation and provide relevant matrices/ information including statistics, summaries, charts, graphs, reports, presentations etc.
• Prepare and submit draft reports as required including activity reports, project progress reports etc.
• Attend and actively participate in investigator’s meetings and other meetings within the research group, department, and programme e.g., journal clubs/seminars as needed.
• To participate in manuscript preparation, grant development, among other scientific roles
• Support and provide scientific mentorship and supervision of students working in the project.
• And any other duties that may be assigned by supervisors from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a relevant biomedical subject or any other relevant field.
• Undergraduate or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Up to 4 years postdoctoral experience
• Eligibility for registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board if clinically trained.
• Proven record of experience with human subject’s research or demonstrable active interest and/or experience in biomedical research. Work on clinical trials or observational studies is an added advantage.
• Working experience in data analysis and use of statistical analysis software such as STATA or R.
• Significant skills in leadership, organisation, prioritisation, problem solving and decision making.
• Ability to network, communicate, resolving disputes, and maintain good working relationships within a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to lead and work within a team.

DESIRABLE

• Training in ICH-GCP.
• Experience/qualification in adult medicine (clinical or research) if clinically trained.
• Experience/qualification in basic biostatistics and clinical research.
• 1-2 years’ experience in clinical trials.
• Training in adult life support (basic and/or advanced) if clinically trained.
• Current passport and ability to travel for international meetings.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated high levels of confidentiality and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation, and communication skills. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong Management, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build strong and diverse effective teams, delegation, and team motivation.
• Ability to build productive and collaborative relationships with various stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ CONDITIONS:

• Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi and be available to work out of hours where necessary