Booster Study MAC-CDAC -Various Positions

 

MAC-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ACTION CENTRE (MAC-CDAC)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

 

MAC-CDAC is a research unit under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences that works with Ministry of health, local and international health agencies to address priority health problems in Malawi and the SADC region through operational and evidence synthesis research, capacity building and training, health care systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and monitoring and impact evaluation in communicable diseases including malaria, HIV, vaccine preventable diseases and Neglected tropical diseases.

MAC-CDAC is inviting applications from suitably qualified and enthusiastic individuals to fill various positions in a facility-based study. This research study aims to investigate the factors influencing poor immune responses to the RTS,S malaria vaccine booster dose among Malawian children. The study will assess clinical, immunological, nutritional, and socio-demographic determinants that may impact vaccine effectiveness. The selected study sites are Machinga and Phalombe. However, these study sites may need to be changed, depending on recruitment. Findings from this study will provide critical insights to improve malaria vaccination strategies and optimize protection against the disease.

SITE SUPERVISOR (2 POSITIONS)

 

Duration of Contract

The initial contract will be for nine (9) months with possibility for further extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Reporting Line: The Site Supervisor will be reporting to the Study Co-Investigator

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Work with Research Nurses and Assistants to complete community and health facility-based data collection. The Site Supervisor will be expected to undertake the following:

1. Study Implementation & Compliance
   • Ensuring adherence to the study protocol, ethical guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
   • Overseeing the day-to-day implementation of study procedures, including participant recruitment, data collection, and follow-up visits.
   • Ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals.
2. Clinical Assessment and Sample Collection
   • Conduct clinical evaluations, including medical history taking, physical examinations, and vital signs assessment.
   • Collect biological samples (e.g., blood) from study participants following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and biosafety guidelines.
   • Conduct basic laboratory tests such as plasma and serum separations.
   • Ensure proper labelling, handling, storage, and transportation of specimens to designated laboratories.
3. Staff Supervision & Training
   • Supervising research assistants, nurses, laboratory technicians, and other site staff.
   • Conducting or coordinating training sessions to maintain protocol adherence and data quality.
   • Monitoring staff performance and resolving site-level challenges.
4. Vaccination and Adverse Event Monitoring
   • Assist participants to receive the RTS, S/ malaria vaccine dose (primary and booster) as per study protocol and national guidelines.
   • Monitor participants for immediate and delayed adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and report findings accordingly.
   • Provide appropriate medical care and refer participants when necessary.
5. Data Quality Assurance & Monitoring
   • Ensuring accurate and complete data collection, entry, and storage.
   • Conducting routine data audits and addressing discrepancies.
   • Collaborating with the data core, research fellow, and study team to resolve data-related issues
6. Participant Management & Community Engagement
   • Collaborate with local health facilities, community health workers, and caregivers to facilitate smooth study implementation.
   • Ensuring that participants receive appropriate follow-up and that adverse events are reported.
   • Participate in continuous study participant’s mobilization and education.
7. Adherence to Protocols and Regulations
   • Ensure strict adherence to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and ethical guidelines.
   • Participate in regular training sessions and refresher courses to maintain competency in study procedures.
8. Logistics & Site Coordination
   • Ensuring availability of necessary study materials, equipment, and supplies.
   • Maintain an inventory of medical and laboratory supplies, ensuring timely replenishment.
   • Maintenance and organization of the study office.
   • Reporting site-level challenges to the research fellow
9. Communication and Reporting
   • Work closely with the study investigators, HSAs, data team, and laboratory personnel to ensure smooth study execution.
   • Prepare and submit study progress reports, adverse event reports, and any required documentation to the research team.
   • Assist in all aspect of Quality Control as needed.
   • Report any challenges to Research Fellow/PIs, Managers or administrators.
   • Report weekly enrolment, follow up, and data and sample capture.
   • Participate in weekly meetings with investigators for assessing study conduct and data quality.
   • Carry out any other duties assigned by the study PIs from time to time.

 

Required Qualification and Experience

1. Education & Professional Qualifications
   • A Diploma in Nursing or Midwifery or Public Health from a recognized institution
   • For nurses – must be registered nurse/midwife with the Nurses Council of Malawi and have a valid practicing licence.
   • Must have an up-to-date GCP certificate from a recognized institution.
2. Work Experience
   • At least 3–5 years of experience in a clinical or research setting, preferably in infectious diseases, immunization, and paediatric health.
   • Prior experience working in clinical trials, vaccine studies, and malaria research will be an added advantage.
   • Experience in working with data managers and data management is desirable
   • Experience in supervising a team is essential.

3. Technical Skills & Competencies
   • Proficiency in managing adverse events following immunization.
   • Strong skills in clinical assessment, patient monitoring, and medical record documentation.
   • Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and ethical standards in research.
   • Experience with data collection tools, such as Open Data Kit (ODK) collect is an advantage.
   • Experience in paediatric clinical examination is desirable
   • Strong skills in paediatric phlebotomy is a must.

 

4. Other Essential Requirements
   • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with participants, caregivers, and healthcare teams and supervising study nurses.
   • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced research environment.
   • Ability to work with health centre staff and community leaders.
   • Willingness to travel to field sites and work flexible hours, including weekends if required.
   • Fluency in English and a local language spoken in the study area is preferred.

RESEARCH NURSE (3 POSITIONS)

Position summary

Reporting to the Study Co-Investigator and the Site Supervisor, he/ she will conduct all study-related activities in the district; identify and interview study participants; capture data electronically; collect, process and store biological samples; and assist with all other additional study activities in the study districts. The Research Nurse will work with the Study Site Supervisor, Research Nurse Interns, Health Surveillance Assistants, and Community Volunteers to complete community and health facility-based data collection.

Duration of Contract

The initial contract will be for nine (9) months with possibility for further extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Reporting Line: The Research Nurse will be reporting to the Study Co-Investigator and the Study Site Supervisor

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Work with Research Assistants to complete community and health facility-based data collection. The Research Nurse will be expected to undertake the following:

1. Participant Recruitment and Enrolment
   • Screen and recruit eligible participants according to the study inclusion/exclusion criteria.
   • Obtain informed consent from parents/guardians and ensure ethical compliance in participant enrolment
2. Clinical Assessment and Sample Collection
   • Conduct clinical evaluations, including medical history taking, physical examinations, and vital signs assessment.
   • Collect biological samples (e.g., blood) from study participants following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and biosafety guidelines.
   • Conduct basic laboratory tests such as rapid haemoglobin tests, and separate plasma and serum.
   • Ensure proper labelling, handling, storage, and transportation of specimens to designated laboratories.
3. Vaccination and Adverse Event Monitoring
   • Assist participants to receive the RTS, S/ malaria vaccine dose (primary and booster) as per study protocol and national guidelines.
   • Monitor participants for immediate and delayed adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and report findings accordingly.
   • Provide appropriate medical care and refer participants when necessary.
4. Data Collection and Documentation
   • Accurately record clinical findings, vaccination details, and laboratory results in case report forms (CRFs) and electronic data capture systems.
   • Ensure data quality and completeness by performing regular checks and resolving discrepancies.
5. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
   • Collaborate with local health facilities, community health workers, and caregivers to facilitate smooth study implementation.
   • Address participant concerns and provide health education on malaria, vaccination, and general child health.
   • Participate in continuous study participant’s mobilization and education.
6. Adherence to Protocols and Regulations
   • Ensure strict adherence to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and ethical guidelines.
   • Participate in regular training sessions and refresher courses to maintain competency in study procedures.
7. Stock and Logistics Management
   • Assist with maintenance and organization of the study office and study supplies
8. Collaboration and Reporting
   • Work with the study investigators, HSAs, data team, and laboratory personnel to ensure smooth study execution, as appropriate.
   • Assist in all aspect of Quality Control as needed.
   • Report any challenges to PIs, Managers or Administrators.
   • Carry out any other duties assigned by the study PIs and Managers from time to time.

Required Qualification and Experience

 

5. Education & Professional Qualifications
   • A Diploma in Nursing or Midwifery from a recognized institution
   • Must be registered nurse/midwife with the Nurses Council of Malawi and have a valid practicing licence.
   • Must have an up-to-date Human Subject’s Training Certificate from a recognized institution.
6. Work Experience
   • At least 2–3 years of experience in a clinical or research setting, preferably in infectious diseases, immunization, or paediatric health.
   • Prior experience working in clinical trials, vaccine studies, or malaria research will be an added advantage.

7. Technical Skills & Competencies
   • Proficiency in managing adverse events following immunization.
   • Strong skills in clinical assessment, patient monitoring, and medical record documentation.
   • Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and ethical standards in research.
   • Experience with data collection tools, such as Open Data Kit (ODK) collect is an advantage.7
   • Strong skills in paediatric phlebotomy are a must.
   • Experience in paediatric clinical examination is desirable

8. Other Essential Requirements
   • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with participants, caregivers, and healthcare teams.
   • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced research environment.
   • Willingness to travel to field sites and work flexible hours, including weekends if required.
   • Fluency in English and a local language spoken in the study area is preferred.

 

RESEARCH NURSE INTERN (2 POSITIONS)

Position Summary

The Research Nurse Intern will support the Research Nurse in various study activities, primarily focusing on documentation, assisting in data collection, and ensuring smooth operations during the study. This role will not involve phlebotomy but will require active participation in the documentation and coordination of study-related tasks.

Duration of Contract

The position is available for an initial period of six months with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Documentation Support:
   • Assist the Research Nurse in maintaining accurate records of participant information, clinical assessments, and study progress.
   • Ensure that case report forms (CRFs) and electronic data capture systems are updated regularly with accurate data.
2. Assistance in Data Collection:
   • Work alongside the Research Nurse to collect and document relevant data from study participants in the community and health facilities.
   • Help with scheduling and organizing participant visits for data collection.
3. Support in Study Activities:
   • Aid in preparing study materials and ensuring all documentation is up-to-date.
   • Assist with participant recruitment by supporting the Research Nurse in screening and ensuring that the inclusion/exclusion criteria are followed.
4. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Assist in coordinating with local health facilities, community health workers, and caregivers to ensure smooth study implementation.
   • Provide support in community mobilization and participant education on malaria, vaccination, and general health.
5. General Administrative Support:
   • Help the Research Nurse with logistical tasks, including organizing study supplies, maintaining inventory, and supporting the study team as needed.

Required Qualifications and Experience

1. Education & Professional Qualifications:

• A diploma in nursing from a recognized institution (minimum requirement)
• Registration with the Nurses Council of Malawi.

1. Work Experience:
   • No prior experience is required, but experience in a clinical or research setting would be an advantage.
   • A willingness to learn and assist in research activities is essential.
2. Technical Skills & Competencies:
   • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
   • Ability to manage documentation and maintain accurate records.
   • Good communication skills for interacting with participants, caregivers, and team members.
3. Other Essential Requirements:
   • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
   • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced research environment.
   • Willingness to travel to field sites and work flexible hours, including weekends, if required.
   • Fluency in English and a local language spoken in the study area is preferred.

Interns would be well-positioned to apply for openings in more senior positions if they become available. The position will attract a salary with benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications as applicable to interns at Malaria Alert Centre. Training in conduct of research studies will be provided.

 

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications as applicable to staff in the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. KUHES is an equal opportunity employer.

Application procedure

Suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications by e-mail. Indicate the position being applied for as subject of the email as Booster RTS,S Site Supervisor/ Research Nurse/ Research Nurse Intern. Applications should be submitted as a one pdf document in the email and should include a covering letter, detailed CV with names, contact numbers and emails of three traceable referees, relevant certificates, up to date copy of certificate in Human Subject Research training addressed to:

The Registrar

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

P/Bag 360

Chichiri

Blantyre 3

Email: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw and vacancies@mac.kuhes.ac.mw

Applications should be submitted not later than, 11^th May, 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.

The successful candidates will be required to undergo a safeguarding check prior to

appointment and periodically during employment.

Advert for Booster Study various positions April 2025FINAL