Jobs at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE:

To undertake research and vaccine safety surveillance and ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory and programme policies in performing/ overseeing clinical activities and the execution of research studies.

1. REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator
2. DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Clinical Officers/ Fieldworkers
3. INDIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Nurses/Data clerks
4. BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY: Work planning and task allocation, requisition and procurement of supplies, consumables and ensuring sensible use of resources.

JOB DIMENSIONS:

1. The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Research Programme (KWTRP) researches diseases with the highest burden in developing countries for which it 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 in order to maintain a cadre of highly skilled and experienced staff from all disciplines.
2. The Epidemiology and Demography Department (EDD) undertakes work on invasive bacterial disease, human genetic factors and viral epidemiology and control. We provide strategic direction to the Surveillance Research Platform. We are part of a consortium conducting safety surveillance for COVID-19 vaccines.
3. The Research Medical Officer II will be responsible for day-to-day coordination on a COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance study. The post holder will work with the Principal Investigator to contribute, where applicable, to tasks preparatory to projects including developing and submitting proposals and protocols, developing study work plans, organising and conducting training for project-specific staff. The post holder will also be involved in higher level responsibilities for ensuring clinical surveillance and laboratory procedures are carried out to quality standards as well as data analysis, preparation of reports and manuscripts. This position includes an opportunity for part-time Master’s training in Epidemiology in compliance with the Programme’s Master’s training guidelines and Continuing Professional Development guidelines.
4. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential

1. A degree in Medicine and Surgery.
2. Demonstrable active interest and/or experience in biomedical research.
3. 1-3 years’ post qualification work experience.
4. Eligibility for registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board i.e. you should have completed your internship by the time you commence the position.
5. Ability to lead and work within a team.
6. Training and/or experience in epidemiology/public health.
7. Training/ experience in literature research, critical appraisal of literature and evidence reviews.
8. Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications.
9. Knowledge of basic epidemiologic study designs and how to implement studies.

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JOB PURPOSE:

This key role is responsible for the oversite and management of the Eastern Uganda programme, in order that there is coordination of the scientific strategy aligned to the Wellcome Core grant funding (to Imperial College) and with the KWTRP Clinical Departments overarching strategic objectives.

1. The post also includes management of the principal investigator’s clinical trial portfolio.
2. With immediate operational effect will be the management and overseeing two large multisite programmes:
3. SMAART (severe malaria consortium, operating across 5 African countries including 6 sites and includes 6 clinical trials.
4. HPRIME a multisite (in 4 sites in Uganda) Phase III factorial clinical trial in children with sickle cell disease.
5. The post involves interaction with a diverse range of scientists and clinicians, drug and technology companies and universities spanning the globe.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Tracking budget expenditure to and projections to plan human and other resource needs
2. Support the sponsor in the allocation of funds to Sub awardees and transfer of funds;
3. Approval of resources (equipment, software etc.) to be bought or adopted.

SOME OF THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Establish and implement programmatic goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures;
2. Work with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the provision of specific therapeutic agents and deal directly with relevant regulatory authorities in both East Africa and internationally;
3. Oversee organizational structures, work schedules and milestones; identify potential delays, bottlenecks and their effects on the project and deliverables; and implement strategies to ensure operational effectiveness;
4. Oversee controls and problem resolution in-line with research protocols and KWTRP’s and MCRIs policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Masters’ Degree Clinical Trials/Public Health/Biological Sciences or equivalent
2. Minimum Ten(10) years overall experience in clinical related research
3. Five (5) years of which were at managerial level