Job Description

Introduction

The Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome – 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.

The position of Research Nurse will report to the Principal Investigator. The Research Nurse will work alongside a Research Clinical Officer or Medical Officer to identify eligible study participants, consent participants with their parents or legally accepted representatives (LAR), collect samples from participants (blood, urine, stool, and gastric aspirates), complete case report forms, enter data in the study database, and coordinate follow-up visits for participants.

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

The U5TB Study will assess the accuracy of new TB diagnostics and the impact of severe malnutrition on the pharmacokinetics of anti-TB drugs in children <5 years old (U5s). To start, participant recruitment and study visits will occur at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), and the study may later expand to other facilities in Blantyre District. In Quarter 2 of 2025, we will begin the study of new TB diagnostics, and we plan to enrol 300 U5s over 3 years. In Quarter 1 of 2026, the pharmacokinetic study will begin, and we plan to enrol 30 U5s over 2.5 years for that study. The Research Nurse will work alongside a Research Clinical Officer or Medical Officer to identify eligible study participants, consent participants with their parents or legally accepted representatives (LAR), collect samples from participants (blood, urine, stool, and gastric aspirates), complete case report forms, enter data in the study database, and coordinate follow-up visits for participants. The Research Nurse will work throughout in close collaboration with a small and efficient study team that includes individuals from MLW, KUHeS, and the QECH Department of Paediatrics.

Responsibilities

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The major duties and tasks of this job.

Keep the study participants (plus their parent/LAR) a priority and informed at all times.
Ensure accurate and complete study documentation (e.g. CRFs, screening and enrolment logs).
Collecting specimens according to study protocol, ICH-GCP, Regulatory Authorities and MLW procedures.
Identify, record and timely report of SAEs and protocol deviations.
Obtain informed consent and enroll study participants.
Coordinate and conduct follow ups of enrolled participants.
Collect data and participate in data analysis.
Data entry from paper forms to REDCap database.

Maintain the Investigator Site File (ISF) for the U5TB Study.

Participate in review of Standard Operating Procedures.
Ensure adequate and proper use of the study resources.
Maintain professional conduct and working relationships at all times.
Identify knowledge and skill gaps and develop an effective training plan.
Be able and willing to start work very early and work late where necessary to ensure participants are reached at a time convenient for them.
Support community engagement and sensitization activities for the U5TB Study
Follow-up on collected data and samples according to protocol.
Monitor and ensure replacement of stock levels of supplies as indicated to guarantee essential items are always available for study procedures.
Maintain confidentiality in the collection and handling of information.
Provide information and suggestions to the PI if encountering difficulties at work, reporting upwards as appropriate.
Attend and contribute to study meetings.
Liaise with routine clinical providers of study participants.
Ensure good relations are maintained at all times with other staff, with participants and their parents/LARs, and with other healthcare workers.
Undertake all work following the relevant safety rules and regulations as laid down by MLW.

Attend relevant training programmes, seminars, and meetings both external and internal as available and as requested.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

In the event of study staff absence on leave or sickness, to be able to carry out the duties of other study staff, within reason, to ensure smooth continuation of the U5TB Study.
Take any other duties, within reason, as assigned by the PI.

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES:

Promote equality of opportunity and inclusive practice in all aspects of work undertaken
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
Act in a manner that safeguards vulnerable participants as applicable to the role
Work effectively as a team player with a positive, enthusiastic attitude
Work autonomously on a project, effectively managing your own time
Understand and adhere to MLW and the hospitals’ policies and procedures
Work according to research protocols (SOPs) set out by the project
Behave professionally at all times
Maintain confidentiality of participants’ records and respect their parents’ and LARs’ privacy and rights
Keep the study participant and parent/LAR informed at all times

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: (i.e., Education, Training and Experience Requirements).

Diploma in Nursing and registered with Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi.
At least 2 years’ experience in nursing and health research preferred.
Experience in research involving U5s and collection of specimens from U5s.
Experience with REDCap preferable.
Understanding of the health sector in Malawi.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and with people at all levels.
Self-motivated and able to deliver results and work out of hours when required to complete tasks.
Fluency in Chichewa. Knowledge of other languages spoken (Yao and Tumbuka) in Malawi will be an added advantage.

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

Excellent communications skills.
Good written and spoken English.
Interviewing skills
Proficiency in organising tasks
Strong interpersonal skills
Adaptability to work in a multidisciplinary team
Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Proficiency in use of electronic data capturing system
Good recording keeping and time-management
Trustworthy
Results-oriented
Team player

Interested applicants should apply by sending, a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (including at least 2 professional referees) to the email address: vacancies@mlw.mw. All documents should be submitted in one pdf file with subject line: Clinical officer Application.

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.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

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