The Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome – Programme (MLW) (http://www.mlw.mw) is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others. We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian & International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the Region.

We are seeking professional and experienced Research Assistants – Clinical (Medical Assistants and Research Nurses) to join the Infectious Disease Epidemiology (IDE) Group under the CHAMP Drug Study. The successful candidates will be working full time under the direction and supervision of the Senior Research Nurses.

This is a one-year contract based in Mwanza.

The Research Assistants – Clinical will report to the Senior Research Nurses.

Responsibilities or duties

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support implementation of community and facility-based study activities according to the study protocol and under the supervision of the Senior Research Nurse.
• Conduct household mapping and community-based census activities within the study catchment areas.
• Screen potential study participants, obtain informed consent and support enrolment and randomisation procedures according to protocol and GCP requirements.
• Administer study medication (DOT) during the intervention period and ensure proper documentation of dosing activities.
• Monitor study participants during and after drug administration and promptly identify, document and report adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) to the Senior Research Nurse.
• Conduct participant follow-up visits and support health facility surveillance activities.
• Collect, label, document and transport study samples according to study procedures and laboratory requirements.
• Collect accurate electronic study data using tablets and ensure completeness and quality of study records and source documents.
• Resolve data queries and support routine verification of study data in collaboration with the study team.
• Health facility surveillance: if needed, identify or facilitate the identification of study participants presenting for sick visits at health centres, and support collection of required study samples in line with study procedures.
• Support community engagement activities with local leaders, volunteers and health facility staff.
• Ensure proper use, accountability and maintenance of study equipment, tablets, consumables and other field resources.
• Maintain participant confidentiality, professionalism and good working relationships with study participants, guardians, community leaders and Ministry of Health staff.
• Participate in study trainings, meetings and other assigned study activities.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by the Senior Research Nurse, Project Site Lead or study investigators.

RESPONSIBILITY:

For people (supervisory):

• Work under the supervision of the Senior Research Nurse
• Collaborate with other field and clinical staff during study activities
• Support mentorship of newly recruited field staff when assigned

For resources:

• Tablets and electronic data collection devices
• Study drugs, sample collection materials and consumables
• Study consumables and other field equipment

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Qualifications and Experience:

Research Nurses

• Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Technician from a recognised institution.
• Registered with the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi

Medical Assistants

• Certificate in Clinical Medicine from a recognised institution
• Registered with the Medical Council of Malawi

Experience needed

• At least 2 years’ relevant clinical experience

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Remuneration and Benefits

MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary package commensurate with the position, a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance cover, pension scheme, gratuity benefits redeemable once every year, among others.

MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful job performance and other set criteria.

• Support implementation of community and facility-based study activities according to the study protocol and under the supervision of the Senior Research Nurse.
• Conduct household mapping and community-based census activities within the study catchment areas.
• Screen potential study participants, obtain informed consent and support enrolment and randomisation procedures according to protocol and GCP requirements.
• Administer study medication (DOT) during the intervention period and ensure proper documentation of dosing activities.
• Monitor study participants during and after drug administration and promptly identify, document and report adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) to the Senior Research Nurse.
• Conduct participant follow-up visits and support health facility surveillance activities.
• Collect, label, document and transport study samples according to study procedures and laboratory requirements.
• Collect accurate electronic study data using tablets and ensure completeness and quality of study records and source documents.
• Resolve data queries and support routine verification of study data in collaboration with the study team.
• Health facility surveillance: if needed, identify or facilitate the identification of study participants presenting for sick visits at health centres, and support collection of required study samples in line with study procedures.
• Support community engagement activities with local leaders, volunteers and health facility staff.
• Ensure proper use, accountability and maintenance of study equipment, tablets, consumables and other field resources.
• Maintain participant confidentiality, professionalism and good working relationships with study participants, guardians, community leaders and Ministry of Health staff.
• Participate in study trainings, meetings and other assigned study activities.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by the Senior Research Nurse, Project Site Lead or study investigators.

• Data collection using tablets
• Participant screening and consent
• Medication administration
• Adverse event reporting
• Sample collection and transport
• Community engagement
• Equipment maintenance
• Confidentiality and professionalism

• Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Technician from a recognised institution (for Research Nurses)
• Registered with the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi (for Research Nurses)
• Certificate in Clinical Medicine from a recognised institution (for Medical Assistants)
• Registered with the Medical Council of Malawi (for Medical Assistants)