Deputy Study Coordinator - Pietermaritzburg at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    
The CCBR is looking for a suitably qualified persons to take on the responsibilities of Deputy Study Coordinator for research projects implemented at the Sweetwaters office. The successful candidates will be assigned to coordinate multi-year projects conducting research in the community setting. There is one (1) position offered on a 12 month contract.

Minimum Requirements:

• Honours/Masters degree in relevant field.
• At least 3-4 years' experience in a similar role within a research environment
• Demonstrated computer literacy (including Excel, Word, Outlook & Adobe).
• Minimum 3-4 years’ experience in data entry, able to capture data efficiently and accurately;
• Minimum 3-4 years’ experience in conducting QC / QA of research data;
• Minimum 3-4 years’ experience in the research environment identifying data collection errors and facilitating corrections according to good clinical practice guidelines;
• Able to understand and implement the data processing procedures for multiple project as per the approved project protocol;
• Able to engage and work closely within the component, and with project personnel to ensure the highest standards of data quality and adherence to the study protocol;
• Willing and able to be based (consecutive nights-outs) in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal province;
• Willingness to work after hours and over weekends and in rural communities;
• Ability to speak both isiZulu and English.

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Masters degree in relevant field;
• Clinical research and trial(s) experience;
• Commitment to working as part of a multi-disciplinary research team;
• Ability to work to strict deadlines;
• Ability to problem solve and to be well organised;
• Accuracy and attention to detail;
• Good knowledge of HIV/AIDS
• Ability to actively contribute to team performance and work independently;
• GCP certification;
• REDCap experience;
• Drivers license;
• Technologically savvy.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key responsibilities:

• Co-ordination of Research Activities
• Engaging with stakeholders and gatekeepers
• Project implementation and ongoing support and monitoring
• Development of and ensuring compliance with SOPs
• Ensuring timely accrual of participants in the study for allocated teams
• Ensure security of study documentation
• Compiling of reports on request of study manager and/or study director
• Organize training of team
• Coordinate and lead team meetings
• Prepare and send weekly report to study manager and/or study director
• Vehicle fleet management for assigned team
• Supervision and Training
• Supervision and training of allocated teams
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Assure study integrity, ethical conduct of research and timely reporting of results
• Oversee the logistical and scheduling issues associated with the study, including meetings with site personnel, and personnel issues
• Conduct study monitoring site visits
• Support the study coordinator in all projects related activities
• Primary point of contact for assigned projects, leading data processing and quality checking per the project protocol;
• Supervise issue and receipt of study documentation;
• Data transmission and data downloads from data collection and processing tools;
• Ensuring timely data entry within agreed benchmarks for completion and data quality;
• Filing and document management and archival for assigned projects;
• Identifying and flagging missing/inconsistent data for resolution;
• Query resolution and reporting;
• Quarterly data audits;
• Tracking and providing reports of QC metrics to study manager and study director.
• Support the Project Manager to ensure research protocols are implemented with strict adherence to the protocol, SOPs and CRF completion requirement in accordance with GCP;
• Ensure that tasks delegated to Data collectors are done and monitor their progress;
• Keep total enrolment/completion numbers updated and available for reports;
• Conduct training and refresher training related to improvement of data collection;
• Assist in preparing participant files including printing of paper forms (CRFs), and assembling files with dividers, labels and appropriate forms and data collection tools;
• Perform daily quality control checks of CRFs, surveys and other data collection tools;
• Ensure forms are filled correctly and there are no blanks or missing information;
• If data is missing on the forms, immediately notify the individual who filled the form and have them correct or fill in the missing data on the same day;
• Ensure that daily entry of data from participant files/forms into the REDCap database is accurately done;
• Assist with data cleaning and analysis as requested;
• Ensure proper version control is maintained for all CRFs and data collection tools;
• Review and verify all source data to ensure the completeness, accuracy and consistency;
• Assist with development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to ensure accurate and efficient entry of data into the REDCap database, including spot-check and "double entry" of data entered by the Data Collectors;
• Ensure accuracy of data entered in data abstraction forms, locator forms, enrolment log, blood specimen register etc;
• Ensure completeness of files after participant completes study enrolment or drops out during enrolment;
• Recommend and monitor corrective and preventive actions;
• Ensure files are not placed in locations where they can be damaged by rain/floods, theft etc;
• Ensure that all files are returned to locked file cabinets at the end of each day;
• Ensure all surveys, forms and lab results are placed in correct tabs and secured in the file folders;
• Ensure patients files are never removed from the clinic for any reason;
• Assist with data cleaning and analysis as requested.
• Willing and able to be based (consecutive nights-outs) in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal province;
• Problem solving Skills
• Planning and coordinating skills
• Written & verbal Communication skills