Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, 11th 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.