Research Officer at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

Reference Number: RO310122

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To review and summarise issues from the published scientific literature in specific areas of interest, with a particular focus on international collaborative research in Africa; and to update this as needed over time.
• To review and summarise national and international guidelines or policy documents relevant to foci of specific social science research projects; and to update this as needed over time.
• To contribute to the development and ethical conduct of specific areas of social science research at KWTRP, including planning, tool development and data collection and analysis for quantitative and qualitative research, and writing scientific papers and blogs around current areas of work.
• Amongst social science studies, a focal area is empirical ethics research around recent developments and enduring ethical questions in biomedical research. Examples of such foci include developments around the impact of COVID-19 on malaria vaccine trials, which are currently being conducted in Kilifi and recruiting participants from Kilifi County. Other areas may include community engagement in different forms of health research and vulnerability in research.
• To contribute to the dissemination of information from the study, including through the preparation of reports, blogs and manuscripts for publication, making presentations at scientific meetings and feeding back to participants in the consultation exercise.
• Where indicated, provide training and support to other research team members / collaborating partners in areas within these responsibilities.
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MA or MSc in relevant subjects such as Social Science (related to health), Public Health, Bioethics, Nursing, or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Social Science, Law, or any related field
• At least 3 years of health research experience, ideally including at least 2 years post master’s experience in collecting
and analysing qualitative and quantitative research data. Experience in peer-reviewed publishing will be an advantage.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications and software for quantitative and qualitative analysis.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and confidentiality
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills
• Good analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills;
• Teamwork and ability to work with diverse teams.
• Strong Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail
• Strong team coordination and Supervisory skills.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• The workstation will be at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust’s office at Kilifi, with occasional travel to other locations in Kenya and internationally.
• Be available to work out of hours, if necessary.
• The work environment will include both office and field-based tasks

The application closing date is 14 February 2022