Background

MAC-CDAC is a research unit under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences that works with Ministry of health, local and international health agencies to address priority health problems in Malawi and the SADC region through operational and evidence synthesis research, capacity building and training, health care systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and monitoring and impact evaluation in communicable diseases including malaria, HIV, vaccine preventable diseases and Neglected tropical diseases.

MAC-CDAC is inviting applications from suitably qualified and enthusiastic individuals to fill the position of Research Nurse in a facility-based study. This research study aims to investigate the factors influencing poor immune responses to the RTS,S malaria vaccine booster dose among Malawian children. The study will assess clinical, immunological, nutritional, and socio-demographic determinants that may impact vaccine effectiveness.

Position summary

The Research Nurse will conduct all study-related activities in the district; identify and interview study participants; capture data electronically; collect, process and store biological samples; and assist with all other additional study activities in the study districts. The Research Nurse will work with the Study Site Supervisor, Research Nurse Interns, Health Surveillance Assistants, and Community Volunteers to complete community and health facility-based data collection.

Duration of Contract

The initial contract will be for nine (9) months with possibility for further extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Reporting Line:

The Research Nurse will be reporting to the Study Co-Investigator and the Study Site Supervisor

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Nurse will be expected to undertake the following:

Participant Recruitment and Enrolment

• Screen and recruit eligible participants according to the study inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Obtain informed consent from parents/guardians and ensure ethical compliance in participant enrolment

Clinical Assessment and Sample Collection

• Conduct clinical evaluations, including medical history taking, physical examinations, and vital signs assessment.
• Collect biological samples (e.g., blood) from study participants following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and biosafety guidelines.
• Conduct basic laboratory tests such as rapid haemoglobin tests, and separate plasma and serum.
• Ensure proper labelling, handling, storage, and transportation of specimens to designated laboratories.

Vaccination and Adverse Event Monitoring

• Assist participants to receive the RTS, S/ malaria vaccine dose (primary and booster) as per study protocol and national guidelines.
• Monitor participants for immediate and delayed adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and report findings accordingly.
• Provide appropriate medical care and refer participants when necessary.

Data Collection and Documentation

• Accurately record clinical findings, vaccination details, and laboratory results in case report forms (CRFs) and electronic data capture systems.
• Ensure data quality and completeness by performing regular checks and resolving discrepancies.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with local health facilities, community health workers, and caregivers to facilitate smooth study implementation.
• Address participant concerns and provide health education on malaria, vaccination, and general child health.
• Participate in continuous study participant’s mobilization and education.

Adherence to Protocols and Regulations

• Ensure strict adherence to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in regular training sessions and refresher courses to maintain competency in study procedures.

Stock and Logistics Management

• Assist with maintenance and organization of the study office and study supplies

Collaboration and Reporting

• Work with the study investigators, HSAs, data team, and laboratory personnel to ensure smooth study execution, as appropriate.
• Assist in all aspect of Quality Control as needed.
• Report any challenges to PIs, Managers or Administrators.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the study PIs and Managers from time to time.

Required Qualification and Experience

Education & Professional Qualifications

• A Diploma in Nursing or Midwifery from a recognized institution
• Must be registered nurse/midwife with the Nurses Council of Malawi and have a valid practicing licence.
• Must have an up-to-date Human Subject’s Training Certificate from a recognized institution.

Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12)

Work Experience

• At least 2 years of experience in a clinical or research setting, preferably in infectious diseases, immunization, or paediatric health.
• Prior experience working in clinical trials, vaccine studies, or malaria research will be an added advantage.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in managing adverse events following immunization.
• Strong skills in clinical assessment, patient monitoring, and medical record documentation.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and ethical standards in research.
• Experience with data collection tools, such as Open Data Kit (ODK) collect is an advantage.7
• Strong skills in paediatric phlebotomy.
• Experience in paediatric clinical examination is desirable

Other Essential Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with participants, caregivers, and healthcare teams.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced research environment.
• Willingness to travel to field sites and work flexible hours, including weekends if required.
• Fluency in English and a local language spoken in the study area is preferred.

Additional Notes

The successful candidates will be required to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and periodically during employment.

• Screen and recruit eligible participants according to the study inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Obtain informed consent from parents/guardians and ensure ethical compliance in participant enrolment
• Conduct clinical evaluations, including medical history taking, physical examinations, and vital signs assessment.
• Collect biological samples (e.g., blood) from study participants following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and biosafety guidelines.
• Conduct basic laboratory tests such as rapid haemoglobin tests, and separate plasma and serum.
• Ensure proper labelling, handling, storage, and transportation of specimens to designated laboratories.
• Assist participants to receive the RTS, S/ malaria vaccine dose (primary and booster) as per study protocol and national guidelines.
• Monitor participants for immediate and delayed adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and report findings accordingly.
• Provide appropriate medical care and refer participants when necessary.
• Accurately record clinical findings, vaccination details, and laboratory results in case report forms (CRFs) and electronic data capture systems.
• Ensure data quality and completeness by performing regular checks and resolving discrepancies.
• Collaborate with local health facilities, community health workers, and caregivers to facilitate smooth study implementation.
• Address participant concerns and provide health education on malaria, vaccination, and general child health.
• Participate in continuous study participant’s mobilization and education.
• Ensure strict adherence to study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in regular training sessions and refresher courses to maintain competency in study procedures.
• Assist with maintenance and organization of the study office and study supplies
• Work with the study investigators, HSAs, data team, and laboratory personnel to ensure smooth study execution, as appropriate.
• Assist in all aspect of Quality Control as needed.
• Report any challenges to PIs, Managers or Administrators.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the study PIs and Managers from time to time.

• Proficiency in managing adverse events following immunization.
• Strong skills in clinical assessment, patient monitoring, and medical record documentation.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and ethical standards in research.
• Experience with data collection tools, such as Open Data Kit (ODK) collect is an advantage.7
• Strong skills in paediatric phlebotomy.
• Experience in paediatric clinical examination is desirable
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with participants, caregivers, and healthcare teams.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced research environment.
• Willingness to travel to field sites and work flexible hours, including weekends if required.
• Fluency in English and a local language spoken in the study area is preferred.

• A Diploma in Nursing or Midwifery from a recognized institution
• Must be registered nurse/midwife with the Nurses Council of Malawi and have a valid practicing licence.
• Must have an up-to-date Human Subject’s Training Certificate from a recognized institution.