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

JOB PURPOSE: 

• The Biosciences Department at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme is advertising for a Research Medical Officer I position, open to qualified doctors.
• The post holder will be responsible for aiding day-to-day coordination and leading safety monitoring on clinical trials for controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) studies and initiating other studies as discussed with the PI.
• This position includes on the job training in research methods and programme management as well as roles in data management, contribute to protocol and SOP development, day-to-day supervision of clinical staff, field-laboratory liaison, sample/specimen management, analysis, and preparation of publications. The position has potential for the successful post-holder to undertake further studies.

Description: 
JOB DIMENSIONS:

• The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Research Programme (KWTRP) conducts research on 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 to maintain a cadre of highly skilled and experienced staff from all disciplines.
• The controlled human malaria infection platform comprises of trials in healthy adults aiming to accelerating vaccine development through evaluation of vaccines, identifying correlates of protection and/or correlates of immunity, and better understanding of naturally acquired immunity.
• The post-holder will be responsible for performing duties as a medical officer for the CHMI trials and may be asked to contribute to other studies within the department.
• Post holder will work with the Trial Manager, and 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. Post holder will also be involved in higher level responsibilities for ensuring field and laboratory procedures are carried out to quality standards as well as data analysis, preparation of reports and manuscripts. 
• 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 involve a high level of communication. The post holder may also be required to contribute to other linked projects.

REPORTS TO:

• Directly to Principal Investigator

INDIRECTLY SUPERVISES:

• Clinical Officers/Fieldworkers

BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:

• Work planning and task allocation, requisition and procurement of supplies, consumables and ensuring sensible use of resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the Principal Investigator, Trial Manager, clinical investigator leads, and other relevant staff members to prepare and execute research plans in liaison with other teams in the laboratories, data management and international collaborating partners.
• Take the lead in/contribute to study/clinical trial set up, identification of resource requirements, documentation of protocols, staff training, and grading and identification of adverse events etc.
• Work with the clinical team and researchers to provide good quality clinical care of study volunteers.
• Supervise and mentor other study team members, i.e., Clinical Officers, Nurses etc.
• Ensure adherence to the clinical SOPs regarding clinical, laboratory investigations of study volunteers, and related clinical studies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Prepare, analyse, and present research summaries to supervisors, international collaborators, and sponsors.
• Liaise with data management teams to ensure that all data is entered into relevant databases on time and verified.
• Carry out data analysis and interpretation and provide relevant matrices/ information including statistics, summaries, charts, graphs, reports etc.
• Prepare and submit draft reports as required including activity reports, project progress reports etc.
• Attend and actively participate in investigator’s meetings and other meetings within the department and programme e.g., journal clubs/seminars as needed.
• And any other duties that may be assigned by supervisors from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Medicine and Surgery.
• Also have obtained a Masters degree in a non-clinical specialty
• Demonstrable active interest and/or experience in biomedical research.
• 1-3 years’ post qualification work experience.
• 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.
• Competency in basic procedures of clinical investigation with experience in adult medicine being an added advantage.
• Ability to lead and work within a team.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Training and/or experience in epidemiology/public health or any relevant field.
• Training/ experience in literature research, critical appraisal of literature and evidence reviews.
• Knowledge of basic clinical trial study designs and how to conduct clinical trials
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications.

DESIRABLE

• Training in ICH-GCP.
• Experience/qualification in in adult medicine (clinical or research).
• Experience/qualification in basic biostatistics and clinical research.
• 1-3 years’ experience in clinical trials.
• Training in adult life support (basic and/or advanced).
• Current passport and ability to travel for international meetings.

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:

• Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya.
• Be available to work out of hours if necessary.
• Some travel to study sites and partners within and outside Kenya.
• Exposure to materials considered infectious and/or biohazards.