Early Post Doctoral Researcher - Epidemiology and Demography at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB DIMENSIONS:

Based in Kilifi, Kenya, the position entails working within an international multi-disciplinary team to ensure optimal conduct of the project while also being supported in their personal professional development. The primary area of work involved in this position will be to determine the optimal diagnostic and risk stratification approaches for people with hypertension in Kilifi

This will involve designing and conducting community-based studies of diagnostic accuracy of various methods for screening and diagnosing hypertension, as well as determining the relationship between these diagnostic methods and measures of hypertension mediated organ damage. The findings from these and other aspects of the project will be used to develop a multi-faceted intervention that will be tested in a pilot cluster randomized trial.

The post-holder will also be expected to provide support and mentorship to PhD students, research assistants and engage with local and national Ministry of Health officials. In addition, the post-doctoral researcher will support and contribute to the development of a capacity strengthening programme composed of technical skills workshops and seminars targeting junior researchers from the region and beyond.  He/she will be supported to develop their own body of work and mobilize research funding to support transition to research independence.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop research proposals for regulatory review
• Supervise the study team including study coordinator, clinical officers at >10 participating hospitals, data manager and locum staff from supporting institutions
• Work with study PIs in study set up and engagement meetings with various stakeholders
• Mentor and support junior staff and PhD students
• Monitor study milestones and manage communications with local and international partners
• Develop grant applications for funding
• Analyse and report study findings
• Lead implementation of capacity building activities
• Conduct/attend and participate in study related meetings and other meetings as needed.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by to them by the study Principal Investigator.

Desirable

• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Experience working with external stakeholders as well as community health workers

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 varied stakeholders