Careers 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.

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JOB PURPOSE: 

• The overall purpose of this post is to undertake research under the human infection (challenge) platform. This will need to be undertaken under good clinical practice ensuring compliance with regulatory, statutory and programme policies including other related clinical and/or research activities and execution of research studies.
• The post holder will be responsible for day-to-day research activities, develop research ideas, and oversee a team of staff. The post holder will work as lead on specific area of work; contribute to tasks preparatory to the project(s), where applicable, to tasks including developing and submitting protocols, developing study work plans, organising, and conducting training for project-specific staff; and ensure compliance of all study staff to good practices and procedures. Although these are the primary responsibilities, the post-holder will also be involved in higher level responsibilities for ensuring all activities and procedures are carried out to quality standards, managing, and leading a team whilst expected to share the load and as guided by the PI.
• This post is open to qualified PhD holders in a relevant field with research experience and will be funded for a three-year period. The post-holder is expected to develop research methods and to execute programme management as well as roles in data management, sample/specimen management, data analysis, and report writing and scientific dissemination through publication writing and presentations. The post is demanding, involving attention to detail and timescales, and strong engagement with various stakeholders and collaborators

Description: 
JOB DIMENSIONS:

• The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) conducts high quality research on diseases with the highest burden in developing countries. The programme 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 human infection (challenge) platform currently comprises of conducting clinical trials in two disease areas, malaria and Shigella with the aim of aim of accelerating vaccine development through evaluation of investigational products such as vaccines, identifying correlates of protection and/or correlates of immunity, and understanding of naturally acquired immunity. This involves the deliberate infection of healthy volunteers with infection causing agents (e.g., malaria and Shigella).
• 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.
• The post-holder will be based in Kilifi working within an experienced team and research group.

REPORTS TO:

• Principal investigator

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES:

• Key team members for the designated role

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

• Will be responsible for managing budget allocated to work activities, work planning and task allocation, requisition and procurement of supplies, consumables and ensuring sensible use of resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently oversee and coordinate all activities according to GCP and protocol requirements.
• Prepare and execute research plans in liaison with other study teams including international collaborating partners.
• Take the lead in/contribute to study/clinical trial set up, identification of resource requirements, documentation of protocols, and staff training and as required.
• Supervise and mentor other study team members.
• 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 Kilifi County public health staff, international collaborators, sponsors and at international conferences and meetings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently oversee and coordinate all activities according to GCP and protocol requirements.
• Prepare and execute research plans in liaison with other study teams including international collaborating partners.
• Take the lead in/contribute to study/clinical trial set up, identification of resource requirements, documentation of protocols, and staff training and as required.
• Supervise and mentor other study team members.
• 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 Kilifi County public health staff, international collaborators, sponsors and at international conferences and meetings.
• 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, presentations 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 research group, department, and programme e.g., journal clubs/seminars as needed.
• To participate in manuscript preparation, grant development, among other scientific roles
• Support and provide scientific mentorship and supervision of students working in the project.
• And any other duties that may be assigned by supervisors from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a relevant biomedical subject or any other relevant field.
• Undergraduate or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Up to 4 years postdoctoral experience
• Eligibility for registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board if clinically trained.
• Proven record of experience with human subject’s research or demonstrable active interest and/or experience in biomedical research. Work on clinical trials or observational studies is an added advantage.
• Working experience in data analysis and use of statistical analysis software such as STATA or R.
• Significant skills in leadership, organisation, prioritisation, problem solving and decision making.
• Ability to network, communicate, resolving disputes, and maintain good working relationships within a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to lead and work within a team.

DESIRABLE

• Training in ICH-GCP.
• Experience/qualification in adult medicine (clinical or research) if clinically trained.
• Experience/qualification in basic biostatistics and clinical research.
• 1-2 years’ experience in clinical trials.
• Training in adult life support (basic and/or advanced) if clinically trained.
• Current passport and ability to travel for international meetings.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated high levels of confidentiality and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation, and communication skills. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong Management, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build strong and diverse effective teams, delegation, and team motivation.
• Ability to build productive and collaborative relationships with various stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.