OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:
The main purpose of the job is to manage a collaborative study between the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme and Stanley Centre at the Broad Institute, Boston, USA. The data and sample collection is involving children (along with parents) from several schools and hospitals on the Kenyan coast, and some other institutes in other countries in Africa. In particular, the project coordinator will work in consultation with the PIs for the NeuroDEV study to ensure that all logistics are performed in good time, to supervise data and sample collection, and to participate in communications and engagement strategy.
REPORTS TO:
- The principal investigators
BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:
- The post holder will be responsible for overseeing project operational costs across the sites; and monitoring of the logistics for running the studies.
JOB DIMENSIONS:
We are working in an international collaboration which is collecting data and samples for genetic studies of neurodevelopmental disorders. The job will involve coordination of data and sample collection across the participating sites, management of both internal and external communications with our collaborators, ensuring availability of logistics e.g. use of fully translated assessment tools and genotyping kits, identifying and engaging key stakeholders particularly heads of schools, hospitals, and providing sites with mentorship and guidance.
The post holder will be able to work under minimal supervision but will be expected to constantly consult with the principal investigators. The post is both mentally and technically demanding, involving a high level of coordination of the NeuroDEV study, understanding lab and sample flow matters, the nature of developmental disorders and how to communicate and engage with affected families and stakeholders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Help with supervision and coordination of members of staff in the NeuroDEV study, particularly the field workers
- Act as the liaison in communications between the principal investigators and international collaborators or participating sites/hospitals
- Preparation of study logistics including receiving and safe storage of genotyping kits, and coordination of training of members of staff involved in NeuroDEV
- Ensure appropriate collection, storage and transport of genetic samples to the USA.
- Arranging for site visits or on-site trainings by our collaborators as well as team building activities for members of staff
- Help with safe record keeping of NeuroDEV documents including processing materials for any emerging protocol amendments.
- Monitoring data collection progress and making recommendations to the Principal Investigators
- Identify stakeholders and determine strategic engagement strategies with the communities, schools, county and hospital administrators
- Provide internal communications leadership and best practice across the NeuroDEV teams while assisting with the related projects when called to do so
- Provide professional support in the preparation of the NeuroDEV communication including reviewing, editing and providing rigorous feedback on drafts of papers and reports to ensure high standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Degree from an accredited institution in the field of Medical or Nursing sciences, Administration, Psychology, Project management, or Communications
- A minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience conducting research, managing communications and project management of research studies.
Desirable
- Have a basic understanding of data analysis, that is useful in tracking study progress and for graphical presentation of the same.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Understanding and exposure to Good Laboratory Practice
- Possess excellent organisation skills for overseeing training of staff, safe record keeping and operational costs of the project
- Excellent hands-on communications skills with local and international collaborators
- Demonstrable experience of coordination of studies involving research studies and hospitals
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 effective teams,
- Ability to delegate and motivate teams
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
- Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust office in Kilifi.
- Occasional travel to visit sites/hospitals or training.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
To apply for this post you must be a registered user. Log into your account then go to Vacancies, view the post and click on the button: “Apply for this job”.
All applicants are required to state their current/last salary.
Candidates must supply an email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates shall be required to produce ORIGINALS of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates, original transcripts and testimonials, detailed curriculum vitae and valid clearance certificate (certificate of good conduct) during the interviews.
The application closing date is 17 October, 2022.
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is an equal opportunity employer. Direct or indirect canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. KWTRP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
More Information
- Job City Kilifi
