VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

RESEARCH NURSES (3) – MLOMBA, MACHINGA

MAC 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 in collaboration with Stanford University and Burnet Institute is conducting a study that mainly seeks to attain a deep insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying suboptimal immunity to RTS, S/AS01 vaccination, and yield biomarkers of vaccine-induced immunity and protection.

MAC is therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified and enthusiastic individuals to fill the positions of Research Nurses.

Position summary

He/ She will be required to work on health center- and community-based research activities in Mlomba, Machinga district.

Type of contract and duration

Initial contract is for one year with possibility of further extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Key areas of responsibility

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the research nurse shall perform the following duties;

• Assessing participant enrollment criteria and conducting informed consent.
• Ensure the current approved informed consent is signed before subjects are screened and enrolled.
• Collect blood samples from infants (5 to 8 months old babies) through venipuncture and heel-stick methods.
• Understanding and capability to perform the procedures required of study protocol (obtains training needed to safely and accurately perform or assess required procedures).
• Understands the standard of care versus research and continually assesses need for additional protections for the protection of research participants and the accuracy and appropriateness of research data.
• Collecting participant data using tablets
• Prepares and stores critical documents required to be maintained and provided to the sponsor prior to, during and after the conduct of the study
• Utilizing nursing skills to complete research protocols including patient recruitment, screening, scheduling and organizing of study visits, enrollment, assessments, interviews, and other protocol specific investigational procedures
• Processing samples: using centrifugation and pipetting.
• Documenting and maintaining accurate records of study participant visits, procedures and health center-based care,
• Ensuring that study procedures and protocols are followed,
• Participating in team work to conduct all aspects of the study
• Coordinating and working closely with local health center staff and community leaders on study project activities,
• Assisting with sample organization, storage, and tracking
• Provides education and training to assistant research nurse and participants in research specific methodology and procedures
• Document protocol exemptions and deviations, as appropriate.
• Communicate regularly with the postdoc and /or PI about study-related issues.
• Attend study-related meetings as appropriate
• Writing monthly reports

Required qualifications and experience

Education

• Diploma in nursing from a recognized institution.
• Registered with the Nurses Council of Malawi.

Experience

• Ability to collect venous blood and performing heel-stick in a child 5-8 months of age is a MUST.
• Experience in a busy research setting, especially experience in community engagement and field work.
• Possess the ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, and manage deadlines
• Strong follow through skills and ability to proactively identify and solve problems; demonstrated initiative is imperative
• Ability to work well independently as well as in team environment
• Computer literate with experience in utilizing electronic data capture, Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet application systems.

Desirable

• Those with strong skills in performing venipuncture and heel-stick blood collection methods from infants (5 to 8 months old babies) will have added advantages.
• The incumbent shall be expected work during awkward hours of work and shall be expected to stay in Mlomba, Machinga.
• Experience of working in rural Machinga will be an added advantage.

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 in pdf format in one file together with copies of relevant certificates and detailed Curriculum Vitae with names, contact numbers and emails of three traceable referees to:

The Registrar
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
P/Bag 360
Chichiri
Blantyre 3

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

Applications should be submitted not later than Friday, 20^th March, 2023. Those submitting via email should indicate the project name and title of the post in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.