Medical Officers at KEMRI - Centre for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR)

The KEMRI/CGHR program has expanded considerably in its research and program support activities. This program is a collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other organizations and donors. It involves conducting research and programmatic support for activities related to Malaria, HIV, Tuberculosis and other diseases. Due to its continued growth in the area of clinical research, the program seeks to fill the position of two Medical Officers in an epidemiological study and a clinical vaccine trial within Malaria Branch expected to run for approx. 5 years

Job Ref: MR 10

REPORTING:  Principal Investigators

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery from a recognized university.
• MMed Pediatrics an added advantage and will be considered highly desirable.
• Registered by Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board
• Research experience is an added advantage.

Job Description

Reporting to the Principal Investigators, the Medical Officers will be working with a team consisting of clinical officers and community interviewers who will be based at health facilities in Gem, Bondo and Siaya and recruit children into an active and passive surveillance study which runs alongside the pilot implementation of the RTS,S Malaria vaccine in the area. A clinical trial of the same vaccine is also based in Siaya. S/he must be flexible and work within the existing structures and standard operating procedures, in a professional and ethical manner with competence, accountability and integrity.

Desirable qualities

• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work long hours including weekends and public holidays.
• Ability to take personal initiatives and working with minimal supervision.

Specific tasks and responsibilities

The Medical officer’s responsibilities shall include but not limited to the following:

• Supervision and management of the study team, clinical and research operations of the study.
• Development of study related tools (SOPs, training materials), training of the study staff.
• Medical evaluation of those children who fulfill the criteria for adverse events of special interest (AESI) and for reporting these events in a timely manner.
• Medical evaluation of children who suffer a serious adverse event and prompt reporting as required per protocol, also on weekends and during holidays
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the study design and goals and ensure that study is conducted in compliance with study protocols and other regulatory requirements.
• Attend to and give expert opinion on study patients in hospital and outpatient facilities.
• Conduct CMEs at the hospital and lead discussions with the clinical and nursing personnel
• Work harmoniously with non-study staff in the health facilities
• Assist with timely and accurate data collection and data entry.
• Collaborate with PI and institution to respond to any monitoring and audit findings and implement approved recommendations.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Study PIs.

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.

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