Uganda: Research Assistant as Field Principal Investigator (M/F) - Uganda

Epicentre is a non-profit organization, created in 1986 by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) dedicated to research, field epidemiology and training in line with both MSF programs and Epicentre’s Research Centers in Uganda and Niger. Epicentre is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.

Context

In 1995, Epicentre created a permanent research center in Uganda to support MSF projects in the region. The primary role of Epicentre in Mbarara is to conduct clinical research following Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements on critical public health burdens in Uganda and Africa. To reach this objective, Epicentre collaborates closely with the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). A full-time experienced research team is based at the Epicentre Mbarara Research Center.

The Mbarara research center is located in Mbarara Municipality, 300 km South-West to Kampala. The main health facility is Mbarara National Referral Hospital which is also a teaching hospital for the MUST. This is the referral hospital for the Western region of Uganda with a capacity of 240 beds. The research center is structured into several departments: administration, logistics, laboratory, data management.

Mission and responsibilities

The Research Assistant will act as the field principal investigator of a Yellow fever study and will assume responsibility for the proper conduct of the trial in coordination and under the supervision of the international principal investigator and the Director of the centre.

Main activities

· Ensure that the study is implemented in compliance with the study protocol and that any deviations are properly documented and communicated

· Participate in the development and adaptation of Standard Operating Procedures

· Initiate and coordinate the process of obtaining study approval from the local Regulatory Authorities and Ethics Committee bodies, as applicable

· Submit any substantial amendment of protocols or patient information and informed consent forms for approval to the local Regulatory Authorities and Ethical bodies

· Plan and execute the initial and continuous training of staff related to the study in coordination with the international principal investigator and study monitor

· Ensure all members of research team he is in charge of conduct the study in accordance to GCP regulations in agreement with protocol and study related SOPs

· Maintain a Study Trial Investigator file containing all essentials documents

· Record and promptly report Serious Adverse Reactions and other notifiable events to the Sponsor, relevant local ethics and regulatory authorities

· Ensure that data is collected, recorded, handled, stored and reported accurately on Case Report Forms and confidentiality is kept

· Ensure the adequate medical care of study participants for any adverse event

· Supervise and advise the study doctors, nurses, field workers in performance of their duties

· Monitor study materials including but not limited to drugs, sundries, diagnostic tools

· Prepare together with the pharmacist orders materials and drugs needed for the running of the study

· Generate timely study reports and contribute to writing of monthly site report

· Communicate regularly with international principal investigator.

Other activities

· Participate regularly in meetings and other activities of the medical department and the research centre as a whole when required

· Communicate regularly with international principal investigator

· Take up any other responsibilities delegated to them by the Medical Coordinator and the Director of the Centre

· Ensure good communication with other investigators and the study team.

Candidate requirements

· Medical doctor with advanced training in clinical research, epidemiology or public health

· Registered with Medical and Dental Practitioners Council

· Previous experience on clinical trial study implementation is an asset

· Knowledge of ICH guidelines, GCP, and the clinical trial study process

· Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently

· Strong verbal and written communication skills

· Training in Good Clinical Practice

Conditions

Position based in Mbarara, Uganda

Short term Contract: minimum 12 months starting mid-february 2017

MSF/Epicentre expatriate contract or local contract

Applications should be made online, before 18^th January 2017 by completing the form available from the following link: http://www.epicentre.msf.org/en/job-opening

For complementary information about this position please contact:

Aitana.JUAN@epicentre.msf.org