Research Assistant – Clinical

Study Protocol and Participant Management

• Conduct protocol-related activities, such as recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, performing medical screening, ongoing monitoring, and conducting clinical examinations.
• Review and interpret vital signs, medical scans, and laboratory results to assess participant health and Strep A-related disease endpoints.
• Support and oversee study-specific and diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, including venipuncture and respiratory specimen collection, ensuring high standards of accuracy and safety.
• Maintain compliance with internal and external standards, protocol requirements, standard operating procedures (SOPs), ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Research Ethics Committees (RECs), regulatory authorities, and applicable guidelines.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clinical/medical queries related to the protocol.

Data and Documentation Management

• Review and draft study reports; manage and document protocol deviations, maintaining accurate research records and clinical notes.
• Author and review informed consent forms (ICFs) and other relevant REC submission documentation as needed.
• Review patient-level and cumulative data to ensure accurate interpretation and alignment with study objectives.
• Support appropriate interpretation, analysis, and presentation of clinical trial data, contributing to presentations, reports, and manuscripts as needed.

Coordination and Communication

• Organise and participate in study team meetings to plan and evaluate study activities, ensuring alignment with SAVAC goals.
• Liaise with study teams to procure necessary medical supplies and maintain adequate stock levels.
• Attend scientific meetings and seminars (internal and external) as available and as requested by the SAVAC Lead.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance clinical trial processes, including innovative approaches to maximise the effectiveness of trial execution.

General Responsibilities

• Exhibit strong clinical, medical, administrative, and project management skills, effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with participating departments at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Kamuzu School of Health Sciences, and other MLW team members.
• Support clinical work in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility to contribute to core program activities or other projects within MLW as required.

Training and Mentorship

• Assist in the training and onboarding of new staff to ensure protocol adherence and clinical best practices.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to Health and Safety guidelines consistently, maintaining cleanliness and safety within the laboratory section by following established cleaning and disinfection protocols.
• Attend scheduled Health and Safety training sessions annually.
• Promptly report any accidents or potential hazards to the Line Manager. Failure to comply with Health & Safety protocols or to attend the required Health & Safety sessions will result in disciplinary action.

General Tasks

• Demonstrated clinical/medical, administrative, and project management capabilities, as well as effective verbal and written communication skills in relating to individuals both inside and outside MLW
• Supports appropriate interpretation and communication of clinical trial data including preparation of presentations, reports and manuscripts.
• Contributes to continuous improvement / process enhancement activities and innovative approaches to maximize effectiveness of clinical trial execution.
• Work in close collaboration with the participating departments at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Kamuzu School of Health Sciences, and MLW staff.
• Provide clinical work in the department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital