IPC-Implement Research Assistant (Implementation/Social Science) – Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust

in Health Care and Nutrition
Full Time
Blantyre
January 3, 2025
Application ends: January 9, 2025
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Job Description

Introduction 

The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognised centre for research and research training, affiliated to the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). MLW has 2 aims, to conduct excellent research to benefit health and train the next generation of researchers and leaders. Our Blantyre-based offices located within the vicinity of the largest hospital in Malawi, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) provide for the optimum research environment.

Job Summary.

The Research Assistant will be full time based at MLW with some visits to the field around Blantyre, Zomba and Lilongwe for data collection. The position holder will analyse already collected data on the IPC-Implement Study (Phase 1: Formative research to design and develop appropriate strategies for the implementation of the WHO Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in Malawi) and collect and analyse data on Phase 2 of the IPC-Implement Study: Improving Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Acute Healthcare Facilities in Malawi towards the Reduction of Healthcare Associated Infections. IPC-Implement is an NIHR funded mixed methods implementation research study. The post-holder will lead data collection and analysis of the study.

Responsibilities

  • To collect and analyse data for the IPC-Implement study
  • To pilot study tools
  • To work hand in hand with the Clinical Research Support Unit (CRSU) department for ethical amendments and submission of annual reports
  • Contribute to monitoring study processes
  • To travel to the field for data collection
  • Recruiting and consenting participants for data collection, including for attendance at workshops
  • To arrange reimbursements for participants
  • To ensure that data collection is ethically conducted.
  • To conduct ethnographic participant observation and writing fieldnotes under the support and supervision of the SIL and PI
  • Planning/organising/facilitating workshop with other team members
  • To ensure that all data is stored safely and securely
  • To transcribe and translate data when necessary
  • To manage and update investigator study files
  • To provide regular updates on study progress to the PI, study implementation lead and supporting staff
  • The job holder may be requested to perform other reasonable tasks at the request of their supervisors consistent with their level of training and responsibility.
  • To write abstracts and manuscripts for conferences and publications
  • Disseminate data at local conferences and other forums

Requirements

Education, Experience and Skills

  • Undergraduate degree (prefarable Masters degree) in a relevant social science discipline (e.g. anthropology, sociology), Public health or any relevant discipline
  • Good clinical practice (GCP) certificate
  • Extensive experience in conducting qualitative research including organizing logistics, conducting In-depth interviews, FGDs and working with different groups of stakeholders
  • Experience in transcribing and translating audio recordings and working with word transcription software
  • Experience in qualitative data coding and analysis using NVivo software for qualitative data management
  • Writing skills evidenced by published academic papers
  • Basic grant management skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Fluency in Chichewa and English
  • Ability to adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Internal and external communication

  • Provide regular written progress reports, feedback, up-to-date documentation of all research activities to the SIL and PI
  • To contribute to study visibility through newsletters and social media updates

Health & Safety Responsibilities.

  • Take full responsibility for ensuring a safe work environment by following health and safety rules at all times for colleagues and study participants.
  • Keep up to date and maintain awareness of all Health and Safety issues by fulfilling the following;
  • Attending the scheduled quarterly Health and Safety sensitization trainings at least once a year.
  • Attend a Health and Safety induction during the first week of employment, signing acknowledgement and keep abreast of the MLW Health and Safety policies and their updates.
  • Attend and be updated in Good Clinical Practice
  • Participate in risk management exercises.
  • Immediately notify the Line Manager of all accidents, and potential hazards.

Mode of application and Requirements

  • copies of relevant certificates,
  • a detailed CV with 3 contactable referees
  • All documents should be sent in the applicant’s names as one (1) pdf file.
  • Please indicate the position title (As indicated above) as the heading of the email.
  • All applications should be sent to vacancies@mlw.mw
  • Applications that do not adhere to the above instructions will not be considere

Error of Judgment: failure to abide by the Health and Safety protocols and putting one-self, colleagues and study participants at risk and failure to attend 1 Health and Safety session a year, will lead to disciplinary action.

All staff members are employed under the MLW Programme and are ultimately responsible to the Programme whether directly employed under the Core Grant, a Research Fellowship or project grant. All staff members are expected to be flexible and may be required to contribute to the activities of the Core Programme or another project(s).

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.

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