Research Assistant (Enhanced HIV Programme)

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Assistant will support various studies and ensure the proper conduct and seamless implementation of all research activities within the Severe Illness and Deaths from Possible Infectious Causes programme (SIDPIC). The role also involves providing secretariat support to maintain the smooth operation of research tasks, including coordination and data management.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Programme Coordinator and Case Management:
   1. Coordinate and support the implementation, daily operations, and case reporting to the Ministry of Health (MOH) under the SIDPIC programme.
2. Outbreak response and investigation:
   1. Investigate causes of infectious diseases cases by liaising with stakeholders.
   2. Assist the SIDPIC infectious disease physician to analyse treatment patterns to develop strategies for containing or mitigating disease spread during outbreaks and improving patient outcomes.
3. Surveillance and Data Collection:
   1. Perform symptom and disease surveillance, collecting and managing data via designated surveillance systems.
   2. Assist SIDPIC infectious disease physician in coordinating specimen collection and transfer, working closely with relevant campus stakeholders.
4. Data Accuracy and Management:
   1. Ensure clinical and surveillance data is accurate, complete, and up to date.
5. Research and Programme Support:
   1. Support other department research activities as directed by the Head of Department (HoD)/Programme Manager.

GENERAL

• Conduct study activities (e.g., screening, recruitment, follow-up, specimen collection, data entry) in compliance with study protocols, regulatory and ethical standards, and hospital policies.
• Submit required documentation to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) on time.
• Maintain the audit research documents to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare for site visits and audits by maintaining complete, organized study files.
• Assist in study-related correspondence and documentation to facilitate smooth study implementation.
• Procure necessary consumables and mange subject reimbursement processes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by HoD, Manager, and Principal Investigator.
• In an occurrence of an outbreak, the Research Assistant may be required to be involved in additional outbreak responsibilities as assigned by HoD, Manager, or the Principal Investigator.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• Appropriate tertiary qualification in a health or related field and/or equivalent work experience or a combination of study and work experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Prior research experience is advantageous but not required.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in English.
• Critical thinking abilities, with capacity for both independent and team-based work.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Familiarity with clinical systems such as EPIC is preferred.
• Familiarity with software such as SPCC, Stata, and NVivo is preferred.
• Applicants must have high integrity, a strong commitment to confidentiality, and a proactive eagerness to learn and take initiative.