Research Medical Officer I -HSU at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB DIMENSIONS:

The Job will involve overall coordination and scientific oversight of the WHO-led sentinel surveillance for the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine in 6 hospitals in western Kenya. The post holder will also coordinate the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in several hospitals in Kenya. The AMR surveillance seeks to investigate applicability of the ‘hub’ and ‘spoke’ approach as a surveillance approach and to estimate the burden of AMR in hospitalised children. The post is based in Kenya at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP), Nairobi, but involves extensive interactions with collaborators in the Ministry of Health (MoH), county governments, academic research collaborators, and other scientists in the programme.  Suitable candidates will be highly driven, with strong negotiation skills, an effective communicator, able to lead teams and with strong research publication skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take overall coordination of the studies in consultation with the Principal Investigator to ensure that overall execution of studies in line with approved protocols  
• Work with the Principal Investigator and other relevant staff members to prepare and execute research plans in liaison with other partners in the projects
• 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
• Oversee that the studies are conducted in line with approved protocols and study standard operating procedures including ensuring both internal and external quality standards are met.
• Supervise and manage the study team, conduct performance appraisal, approve, and monitor study activities
• Develop research interests and publish manuscripts linked to the study project.
• Carry out desktop research/ literature reviews and prepare/ draft write-ups as may be required for inclusion in/ to support proposals, presentations/seminars and publications
• Coordinate preparation and submission of   reports as required including activity reports, project progress reports etc.
• Oversight preparation of progress reports for submission to funders and sponsors
• Approve budgets for study activities
• Lead liaison with MoH, county hospitals and other stakeholders
• Prepare and convene meetings for feedback to stakeholders  
• Presentation of study outputs at scientific meetings

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Medical Degree (MBChB, MBBS or equivalent), and Masters degree MSc in Epidemiology, Public Health, biostatics or related field.
• Research experience with a track-record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals (at least two publications as lead author)
• Current registration Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists’ Board
• At least 4 years’ experience working in a biomedical research environment
• Interests/experience working in Microbiology or microbiology data is an added advantage
• Competence in use of R, STATA or other software applications to undertake statistical analyses.
• An ongoing Doctor of Philosophy (Dphil, PhD) is an added advantage

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent scientific writing skills and presentation skills (use of Powerpoint or other media)
• Ability to work with limited supervision and meet deadlines
• Excellent diagnostic, analytical and investigative skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to work independently, in a team, and in a multi-cultural environment
• Confidentiality, attention to detail, punctuality and high integrity