Chief Research Technologist (S): Project Lead at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Job Description
The Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit is looking for an experienced individual to manage all aspects of Project Trust and Trust-II and the newly-funded Biosensor study in Worcester. This will include field staff management, project activities and continue to implement established systems for site coordination, data and quality management across three clinical sites (Worcester CDC, Brewelskloof hospital, and Ukwanda) and two laboratories of external collaborators (University of Stellenbosch and University of Cape Town). The purpose of the position is:

• To provide feedback on medical procedures as conducted by study nurses to investigative team, including extended blood draws and sputum collection, as well as feedback and suggestions on study protocol around the medical health of participants with TB.
• To gather data on study progress, analyse and interpret findings, and persuade stakeholders (external and internal) of possible changes to protocols and procedures that may be required to ensure that all targets are met.
• To compile and disseminate information on the project in the form of peer reviewed publications, posters and presentations as well as written study progress reports.

Key Responsibility Areas will include the following:

• Oversee study procedures for multiple projects (as listed above), including more extensive input in protocol development, data collection, and SOP development as necessary, sample taking, scientific documentation, lab/site management
• Managing all aspects of the research project across multiple sites
• High level administrative tasks including: asset management, Clinical/lab coordination, Supply Chain Management, record keeping and financial management
• Research data quality control, or data management
• Training and management of staff including study nurses, data collectors, fieldworkers and DOTS workers on research procedures and or lab techniques
• Weekly supervision meetings held with staff across the sites that are documented and provides documented training to staff and study investigators.
• Writing fact sheets or sample analysis reports or research reports and or websites or online portal updates
• Preparation of weekly report for investigators on study activities.

Core Requirements:

• Masters degree in health-related discipline
• Minimum 3 years clinical research experience
• Project management experience required
• Familiarity with biological and behavioural data collection measures
• Afrikaans as well as English spoken
• Good clinical practice certification

Added Advantage

• Health related post-graduate degree
• Experience with specimen collection for TB and substance use (blood draws, sputum collection, urinalysis)
• Driver’s license (Code 8)
• Currently living in Worcester
• Be able to be based for the duration of the work day at our main site at the Ukwanda Campus in Worcester, and travel to the above-mentioned sites regularly