The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following position:
Scientist B – (01 Position)
Position Code: SB -1023
Reports to: Head of Platform
Department: Immunology
Station: Entebbe
Job Purpose
The position holder is a Project team leader, with responsibility for day-to-day supervision and conduct of clinical research studies. This post would ideally suit an experienced laboratory researcher ready to make the move into management. A key role will be to liaise between clinical and research teams to ensure the study runs smoothly, that samples are collected and processed in a timely manner, and that ethical procedures are strictly adhered to.
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Contributing to the design of research studies and taking an active role in; • Writing study protocols & SOPS;
• Gaining approval from regulatory bodies;
• Developing detailed implementation plans & resourcing budgets;
• Recruiting and training study team members; and,
• Writing progress reports to regulatory and funding bodies.
2. Leading the implementation of the research study, ensuring that;
Plans, protocols and procedures are reliably followed;
Research is conducted according to best practice/high standards;
• Any research volunteers are treated ethically with respect and compassion;
• Data is entered accurately and reliably and data security routines are developed and implemented;
• Continuing approvals for studies are obtained before expiry;
• Participating in data cleaning, analysis and project evaluation; feeding lessons learned back into the revision or design of new projects;
• Participating in the roll-out of the research findings at dissemination of results to stakeholders;
Managing study resources (including finances, HR, equipment & facilities), ensuring efficient and ethical usage and complying with all Unit accountability requirements;
• Leading the study team, in a manner that empowers them to operate according to GCP and GCLP;
• Coordinate the activities of the assigned site and provide feedback to and from the PI and Science meetings;
Contribute to communication of study results through publications, poster presentations and scientific conferences; and,
• Provide mentorship to other members of the study team.
3. Financial Management;
• Delegated financial (signing) authority for Imprest of up to Uganda Shs 500,000, with expenditures above this limit being secondarily approved by the PI.
4. Line Management Responsibilities;
• The position holder is the first line supervisor of staff (e.g. clinicians, nurses, counsellors, field workers) for projects that he is responsible for and is also responsible for safeguarding safety and well-being of project research participants.
5. LSHTM Integration;
• Liaise, through line manager, with LSHTM Communications and Engagement team.
Person Specification
• MSc in laboratory sciences or a relevant discipline;
• Training in GCP/GCLP;
• Should possess minimum of two years’ experience in working in a clinical research environment;
• Experience in working in a medical research setting;
• Team leadership experience;
• Research laboratory experience;
• Ability to liaise between clinical and research teams;
• Should possess supervision skills,
• Personal integrity;
• Emotional resourcefulness;
• Ability to learn;
• Forward thinking;
• Openness to others;
• Analytical Thinking
• Conceptual Thinking
2
• Proactivity
• Results Orientation
• Thoroughness
• Concern for Excellence
• Flexibility Towards Others
• Service Orientation
• Development Orientation
Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation:
https://redcap.link/Scientist_SB_1023
Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.
Combine all your application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & certified copies of academic documents into one PDF document. Deadline for application is 8th November 2023, 5:00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received.
N.B: You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation before employment.
The applications should be addressed to:
The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.
MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit strives for inclusion and diversity and therefore considers all job applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age,
marital status, and disability. We highly encourage persons with disabilities to apply and compete for different job openings at the Unit. The Unit is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.