Jobs Kenya

Location: Location in Kilifi

  • Mid Career Research Fellow – MicroBiology

    Mid Career Research Fellow – MicroBiology

    The post-holder will lead a programme of research within the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Impact Study (PCVIS). This is a longitudinal study, funded by Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, to determine the long-term impact of the PCV programme in Kenya and guide vaccine policy in consultation with the Kenya National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG) and the National Vaccines and Immunization Program within the Ministry of Health. The post holder will be expected to contribute to the further development of the research programme (including development of their own proposals), scientific leadership, and collaborate with local, national and international partners. The ideal post holder will have experience in pneumococcal microbiology / molecular biology.
    REPORTING LINES:

    Principal Investigator

    DIRECT SUPERVISION:

    Laboratory Manager for the Invasive Bacterial Disease group.

    BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

    Responsible for managing project funds in collaboration with the PCVIS Programme Manager and PI.

    JOB DIMENSIONS:
    The post holder will be expected to advance the detection, diagnosis, differentiation and characterisation of pneumococci identified in carriage and disease surveillance and to bring novel methods to the surveillance programme.
    The post-holder will work full-time at the Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) in Kilifi. He/she will be responsible to the Principal Investigator (PI) of PCVIS, and will work closely with other project specific staff (Programme Manager, Epidemiologist, Mathematical modeller, Laboratory Manager) to ensure smooth running of key epidemiological components of the project. The core project is a before-after study of invasive pneumococcal disease embedded within the demographic surveillance system, with specific analyses for indirect vaccine protection and “serotype replacement disease”. The post-holder will assist the PI running the core study but will also oversee additional surveillance activities. The team has a wide range of studies of pneumococcal carriage exploring the ecology of the nasopharynx, competition within pneumococci, host and pathogen factors affecting invasiveness, strain evolution, and the use of carriage studies and modelling to drive vaccine policy decisions in LMICs. The post-holder will be expected to take on one or more specific research objectives personally, depending on his/her prior experience and technical skills.
    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

    To manage and conduct a programme of research and scholarship, including taking a leading role in the further development of the PCVIS research programme.
    To independently identify research objectives and to write and submit research proposals for external funding.
    To disseminate the outcomes of the research, including publishing peer-reviewed academic journal articles of international standing.
    To lead and manage study teams comprising laboratory staff and researchers.
    To ensure compliance of self, others and research studies with good research conduct, ethics and regulatory processes and other relevant policies.
    To initiate and develop collaborative linkages with local, national and international researchers and research groups
    To teach, develop teaching materials, conduct assessments and contribute to the development of the educational curriculum within the Department and KWTRP more broadly.
    To supervise post-graduate research students as supervisor or co-supervisor, and to mentor and assist students and early-stage researchers in the research group.
    To take responsibility for, manage and conduct administrative and management tasks associated with the research programme and in collaboration with Department and KWTRP operational teams.
    To engage in appropriate training and professional development, including keeping up-to- date with the latest research/thinking in own academic field.
    To participate fully in the wider research and academic activities of the Department and KWTRP.
    To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    A PhD in medical microbiology, molecular microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics or a related field.

    COMPETENCIES

    Experience and substantial technical skills conducting independent microbiological/ molecular microbiology research
    Successful record of research grant applications.
    High quality peer reviewed publications in the field of microbiology, surveillance, molecular microbiology, bacterial diagnostics, bacterial genomics or similar.
    Experience coordinating, teaching and training a team, with evidence of good leadership, organizational, administrative and computer skills, including statistical packages.
    Presentation experience nationally or internationally.

    DESIRABLE

    Publication evidence of expertise in pneumococcal microbiology / molecular biology through.

  • Senior Project Manager

    Senior Project Manager

    JOB PURPOSE:
    To plan, implement and coordinate International Multisite clinical research operations in the childhood infectious diseases and undernutrition at KWTP Kilifi/Coast and across international networks. The post holder will need to be experienced in leading multi-disciplinary, multi-site research teams in an international setting and be highly self-sufficient to manage complex research work. The post is mentally demanding, involving attention to detail and timescales, and strong engagement with stakeholders.
    REPORTING LINES:
    Programmes Manager
    BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:
    Budget planning, oversight, monitoring and reporting responsibilities.
    JOB DIMENSIONS:
    The post holder will be based in from Kilifi site to promote effective management of ongoing research studies by closely working with clinical leads/project coordinators and study teams in the international network at Coordination level.
    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
    Administrative oversight – Kilifi/Coast:

    Overall coordinator of Kilifi/Coast study teams focussing on childhood undernutrition and related projects, to oversee administrative aspects of staffing, project budgeting, procurement, security, health and safety
    Provide site leadership (Kilifi/Coast) to malnutrition study teams and to be point of contact between other KWTRP departments and the teams on administrative issues.
    Provide guidance to project coordinators and investigators of ongoing/planned studies within the malnutrition team to include study planning, resources allocation and quality assurance plans.
    To undertake/guide risk assessment of studies together with specific study coordinators / investigators, to maintain a register of the risks, and to participate in developing risk mitigation measures drawing from administrative support in KWTRP in accordance to applicable policies and guidelines
    To lead/guide resolution of operational challenges/problems affecting study teams
    Participate in writing of project ghant charts, implementation timelines, and identification of milestones and to use this to regularly monitor overall project progress.

    Scientific coordination – Kilifi /Coast:

    Manage process of ethics and scientific applications and renewals for ongoing protocols/studies, and trial registration.
    Coordinate team’s planning and management of all clinical trials to include design of research systems in line with applicable institutional, regulatory and international standards.
    Manage development of training plans for new research protocols, as well as overall staff development trainings and mentorship.
    Manage and guide on preparation of SOPs, data collection tools (CRFs/Source documents), quality manuals and processes in line with institutional guidelines and international research standards (GCP)
    Represent teams in operations and scientific committees and stakeholder forums at local and international level, to include Centre Scientific Meetings, Research steering committees (DSMBs/TSCs), sponsors and external partners.
    Coordinate stakeholder’s engagement for new and ongoing studies and to maintain register of completed meetings and planned updates.
    Manage scientific peer interaction and exchange within the study teams and with wider KWTRP/stakeholders in form of scheduled workshops, journal clubs, seminars or case presentations.

    International CHAIN network coordination roles:

    Work at CHAIN network to coordinate training in international sites on protocol implementation processes to include data collection processes and quality assurance measures.
    Lead clinical trials platform in the CHAIN network to establish systems and resources to implement and /or support new clinical trials.
    Participate in remote monitoring of progress at international CHAIN sites through conference meetings and report updates.
    Participate in monitoring visits to international CHAIN network sites to review progress and conduct required trainings.
    Participate in review of data quality and completeness in network sites, and communication with clinical and laboratory teams over query resolutions
    Undertake own research projects/ data analysis within ongoing/completed studies that contribute to the overall research understanding of questions under research by Malnutrition study group.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    Masters’ degree in public health/epidemiology/clinical trials
    At least 8 years international experience in training on protocol, trial set up and research monitoring.

    COMPETENCIES:

    Exceptional project management skills, proficiency in using project management tools and the ability to manage multiple large projects simultaneously.
    Significant skills in leadership, organization, prioritisation, problem solving and decision making
    Demonstrable experience in writing high quality reports and presentations in English, with evidence of being attentive to detail.
    Ability to network, communicate, diplomatic and maintain strong local and international relationships within a multi-cultural environment and wide diversity of people, and have experience in resolving disputes.

    DESIRABLE:

    Data analysis skills using analytical programmes e.g. Stata/ R
    Presentation skills

    PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

    Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya.
    Regular international travel to study sites and partners.
    Be available to work out of hours if necessary.

  • Resource Mobilization Officer, Rmo

    Resource Mobilization Officer, Rmo

    Details:
    Job Description

    To take the lead in identifying funding opportunities, listing them and sharing the information with the management committee.
    To assist with funding proposal writing processes. This involves writing project and budget plan proposals and coordinating with the different departments with the aim of sometimes jointly submitting a project proposals.
    To assist in developing a fund generation and resource mobilization Work plan and constantly follow-up the implementation of the plan.This involves designing and writing materials for communications with different prospective donors and agencies.
    To assist in mobilizing non-financial resources from private sectors entities, individuals, faith based organizations and corporate agencies.
    To coordinate processing of agreements in connection with funding opportunities and ensure effective and timely follow-up in terms of submission of reports to the donors and grant renewal proposals.
    To monitor donor reporting and grant expenditure deadlines; coordinate with different departmental heads and the finance office in responding to these deadlines while facilitating and participating in the preparation of quality financial and narrative reports to donors.
    To coordinate distribution to donors information highlighting funds needed and generated along with resources mobilized.
    To work with the Partner relations team to recruit engage and maintain external vendors and agencies for procurement on with the goal of building long term relationships with suppliers
    To undertake all other relevant activities as and when assigned by the management

    EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

    A bachelor’s degree or higher diploma in Business management, Community Development, communications or marketing
    At least 2 year experience in fundraising, or related activities
    Excellent Time Management and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure
    Attention to detail
    Ability to take initiative and creatively problem solve
    Excellent knowledge of English, both orally and written
    Good analytical skills in developing, monitoring and implementing resource mobilization strategies and utilizing campaign metrics to determine best practices
    Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams
    Ability to prioritize workload and demonstrate deliverables/outcomes.
    Self-motivation and a commitment to ensure results oriented work.
    Strong negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
    Good understanding of financial management and reporting processes.
    Computer literacy and ability to effectively use a variety of software particularly Excel and Word

  • Data Manager

    Data Manager

    We are operating an international network conducting harmonised health research to improve survival in sick undernourished children in Africa and Asia (The CHAIN Network). The job will involve use of databases and other data applications for data verification and feedback to multiple sites.
    The post holder will have a high level of responsibility for ensuring data quality, data storage and security, and thus the integrity of the results.
    The post holder will work on data management for the entire network particularly in the area of laboratory data. The post holder should be able to work unsupervised, often with a variable timescale. The post mentally demanding, involving a high level of communication with sites in other countries, as well as technical ability demonstrated in the use of statistical software and ability to work within laboratory constraints.
    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Manage tools for collecting, entering, editing, cleaning, organizing, and archiving data.
    Carry out data review, validation including discrepancy checking, and cleaning. Perform data entry using the developed databases as well as data transcription into Case Report Forms (CRFs).
    Manage data entry staff (permanent or casual) in collaboration with Administration and PIs and monitor performance.
    Design database for capturing and storing data.
    Prepare performance indicator reports on data status as study project progress. Co-ordinate data for all study sites projects.
    Conduct preliminary analysis and generate study progress reports.
    Participate in the development, review and translation of research tools; Participate in the pre-testing of data collection platforms;
    Data cleaning including doing all required consistency checks for project data;
    Document project data sets according to the Center’s guidelines on data documentation, archiving and sharing;
    Extract data and prepare analytical files;
    Develop template syntax files for research staff to use in creating various data sets;
    Perform basic and advanced statistical analysis of data using tools such as STATA and R.
    Assist in training other staff members on data analysis.
    Ability and willing to travel to all study sites in Africa and Asia.

    ESSENTIAL CRITERIA :

    Degree in Data Management, Statistics, Mathematics or Computer Sciences or Information Technology or related qualification.
    At least 3 years experience as a Data Manager in clinical research studies
    Experience in Data Management for Clinical Research or trials involving handling of laboratory data.
    Understanding of relational database design, implementation and verification. e Training and/or experience in data management

    DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

    Statistics experience with REDCap, Stata or R.
    Knowledge of MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MSSQL.

    COMPETENCIES:

    Excellent knowledge of database design and data modelling.
    Excellent skills in data manipulation and statistical analysis
    Knowledge of software development methodologies
    Strong analytical skills
    Strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize and work within tight deadlines e Flexibility, adaptability, ability to multi-task
    Confidentiality and integrity
    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
    Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
    Conscientiousness, timeliness and willingness to work to meet deadlines

    PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

    Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya. e Be available to work out of hours if necessary.

  • Data Manager

    Data Manager

    We are operating an international network conducting harmonised health research to improve survival in sick undernourished children in Africa and Asia (The CHAIN Network). The job will involve use of databases and other data applications for data verification and feedback to multiple sites.
    The post holder will have a high level of responsibility for ensuring data quality, data storage and security, and thus the integrity of the results.
    The post holder will work on data management for the entire network particularly in the area of laboratory data. The post holder should be able to work unsupervised, often with a variable timescale. The post mentally demanding, involving a high level of communication with sites in other countries, as well as technical ability demonstrated in the use of statistical software and ability to work within laboratory constraints.
    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Manage tools for collecting, entering, editing, cleaning, organizing, and archiving data.
    Carry out data review, validation including discrepancy checking, and cleaning. Perform data entry using the developed databases as well as data transcription into Case Report Forms (CRFs).
    Manage data entry staff (permanent or casual) in collaboration with Administration and PIs and monitor performance.
    Design database for capturing and storing data.
    Prepare performance indicator reports on data status as study project progress. Co-ordinate data for all study sites projects.
    Conduct preliminary analysis and generate study progress reports.
    Participate in the development, review and translation of research tools; Participate in the pre-testing of data collection platforms;
    Data cleaning including doing all required consistency checks for project data;
    Document project data sets according to the Center’s guidelines on data documentation, archiving and sharing;
    Extract data and prepare analytical files;
    Develop template syntax files for research staff to use in creating various data sets;
    Perform basic and advanced statistical analysis of data using tools such as STATA and R.
    Assist in training other staff members on data analysis.
    Ability and willing to travel to all study sites in Africa and Asia.

    ESSENTIAL CRITERIA :

    Degree in Data Management, Statistics, Mathematics or Computer Sciences or Information Technology or related qualification.
    At least 3 years experience as a Data Manager in clinical research studies
    Experience in Data Management for Clinical Research or trials involving handling of laboratory data.
    Understanding of relational database design, implementation and verification. e Training and/or experience in data management

    DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

    Statistics experience with REDCap, Stata or R.
    Knowledge of MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MSSQL.

    COMPETENCIES:

    Excellent knowledge of database design and data modelling.
    Excellent skills in data manipulation and statistical analysis
    Knowledge of software development methodologies
    Strong analytical skills
    Strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize and work within tight deadlines e Flexibility, adaptability, ability to multi-task
    Confidentiality and integrity
    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
    Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
    Conscientiousness, timeliness and willingness to work to meet deadlines

    PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

    Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya. e Be available to work out of hours if necessary.