Job Description

Introduction

The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognised centre for research and research training, affiliated to the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). MLW has 2 aims, to conduct excellent research that benefits health and train the next generation of researchers and leaders.

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE): In summary, why does the job exist?

The postholder will be involved in the implementation of the Opt-AMR project (Optimising antibiotic usage to mitigate Antimicrobial Resistance – AMR). Opt-AMR is an NIHR funded multi-country (Zambia, Malawi and Uganda) mixed methods study. The post-holder will lead data collection and contribute to the analysis of the study and will be full time based at MLW head office but with some field visits around Blantyre, Chikhwawa and Lilongwe for data collection and meetings.

There are four research packages (RPs) to be implemented; RP1 – rapid assessment of AMR, antibiotic usage and Quality of Care (QoC) of febrile children in urban, peri-urban, rural areas, RP2 – microbiological surveillance of AMR prevalence and genetic analysis of resistance, RP3 – community assessment of behaviours and perceptions of mothers and health workers about antibiotic use and treatment seeking for febrile children and strategies to improve QoC, and RP4 – production of evidence-based quality improvement strategies to reduce AMR.

Responsibilities

Technical

To be responsible for:

Piloting study tools.
Collecting, organizing and analyzing data for the Opt-AMR study.
Ensuring that nasal and rectal swabs are correctly collected, labelled, stored and transported to the laboratory within expected sample viability window.
Conducting ethnographic participant observation and writing fieldnotes under the support and supervision of the RP4 lead and Malawi study implementation Lead.
Transcribing and Translating data tools as well as the qualitative data.
Contributing to writing of abstracts and manuscripts for conferences and publications.
Disseminating data at local conferences and other forums.
Ensuring that recruiting and consenting participants for data collection aligns with ethics and study implementation plan.

Collaborations

Working in collaboration with the study Implementation Lead to consolidate the differences in the study protocol following ethical approval process in the participating countries in order to process amendments at Liverpool School of Tropical of Medicine (LSTM).
Working hand in hand with the Clinical Research Support Unit (CRSU) for ethical amendments and submission of annual reports.

General Administration and Supervision

Participating in recruitment of data collectors
Contributing to monitoring study processes.
Travelling to the filed for data collection and meetings.
Arranging for study participants reimbursements.
Updating AMR policy stakeholder map.
Planning, Organizing and Facilitating workshops with other team members.
Ensuring safe and secure storage of all study related data.
Providing regular updates on study progress to the Study Principal Investigator (PI), Study Implementation Lead and supporting staff.
Performing other reasonable and relevant tasks that may be requested by the supervisor with level of training and responsibility.

Training

Planning and organizing training of data collectors.

Communication

Providing regular written progress reports, feedback, up to date documentation of all research activities to the study Implementation Lead and PI.
Contributing to study visibility through newsletter and social media upd

Requirements

Education:

Degree in Anthropology or Sociology, Public Health or any relevant discipline (Masters Degree is an added advantage)
Good Clinical Practice Certificate (GCP)

D(b) Experience:

Minimum of at least one year experience in quantitative and qualitative research is desirable
In conducting quantitative and qualitative research including organizing logistics, conducting in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and working with different stakeholder groups.
In qualitative coding and analysis using NVivo software for qualitative data management

KEY COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS (e.g., IT Skills, Personality, Communication, Teamwork, etc.)

Willingness to learn new concepts and blend skills from different scientific disciplines
Basic grant management skills
Writing skills evidenced by published academic papers.
Fluency in Chichewa and English.
Adherence to GCP
Proactiveness and the ability to effectively work within a team
Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision.

Mode of application and Requirements

copies of relevant certificates,
A detailed CV with 3 contactable referees
Please indicate the position title as the heading of the email (Opt-AMR Study Research Assistant).
All documents should be sent in the applicant’s names as one (1) pdf file. To [email protected]

Women are encouraged to apply.

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment

To apply for this job please visit www.mlw.mw.