Vacancies Announcement

The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU), based at the National Institute for Medical Research campus in Mwanza, Tanzania, is a collaborative research unit of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the National Institute for Medical Research. The mission of MITU is to improve health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials, to the highest international standards. MITU aims to enhance the capacity for such research in Tanzania and the East African region and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy. MITU is currently collaborating with other international research partners to implement human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine trials. The Unit is now inviting applications from highly motivated and suitably qualified candidates to fill the following positions:

Study Coordinator

The successful applicant will be a medical doctor with a postgraduate qualification in public health or a related field in health research. The applicant should demonstrate proven technical expertise in the quality management of research studies, experience in clinical/laboratory procedures in research, and skills in multicenter research.

Specific Responsibilities

• Assist the lead coordinator with the day-to-day management of the study in the Mwanza region of Tanzania.
• Handle queries, review case report forms, and maintain Study Master Files.
• Facilitate communication between MITU/NIMR, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and other trial partners.
• Recruit, coordinate, train, and supervise field team staff to ensure the study is conducted to GCP and other international standards.
• Participate in meetings and discussions regarding research progress and findings.
• Assist in the submission of trial documents to ethics and regulatory committees.
• Coordinate study monitoring visits and prepare responses to monitoring reports.
• Write up study findings in reports and publications.
• Assist in preparing reports for trial governance bodies and the funding agency.
• Travel to progress and coordination meetings as required.
• Frequently travel to field sites to ensure smooth running of research activities.
• Perform other duties as required by the Principal Investigator and lead coordinator.

Essential Qualifications

• Fully qualified medical doctor with a current license to practice in Tanzania.
• A postgraduate qualification in epidemiology, public health, or equivalent experience through publications.
• Experience working with Ministry of Health officials at different levels.
• At least one year of relevant experience in research studies, preferably in a coordination role, based in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Practical experience in managing research teams and coordinating GCP-compliant studies.
• Experience submitting documents to ethics boards and regulatory authorities.
• Experience working independently and in multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working on vaccine-related research studies.

Additional Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with others to solve problems.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Willingness to relocate to Mwanza and travel extensively across the region.

Data Manager

MITU is seeking a capable and enthusiastic Data Manager to join the data team within the Unit. The Data Manager will work closely with the Senior Data Manager and other Data Managers to support the effective implementation of MITU projects.

The successful applicant will hold a BSc in Computer Science or a related field, ideally with postgraduate training in clinical research data management. The applicant should demonstrate proven expertise in database design and administration, experience in clinical data management in a research setting, and a working knowledge of GCP.

Principal Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day data for studies assigned by the Senior Data Manager, ensuring GCP and departmental SOPs are strictly followed.
• Work with study teams to establish study-specific data management plans.
• Enter questionnaires, laboratory data, and other study data into databases.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop study-specific data management plans and design, validate, and maintain clinical trial databases.
• Update study databases after comparison of first and second entry.
• Resolve data queries in a timely manner.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of electronic devices used for data collection.
• Provide daily progress reports to the Senior Data Manager.
• Enter data into computers using various software applications.
• Perform other duties as required.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree/advanced diploma in Computer Science/IT/ICT or related field.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Good understanding of programming.
• Experience with data management systems like OpenClinica, OpenDataKit (ODK), or RedCap.
• Experience in health research data management.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in clinical research data management.
• Experience with data entry, management, and cleaning.
• Experience with electronic data capture (EDC) systems and mobile app development.

Additional Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Willingness to relocate to Mwanza and travel extensively across the region.

Mode of Application

• This is Full-time Job, Interested applicants should submit a letter of application, CV, and copies of relevant certificates and qualifications to [email protected] no later than 31st January 2025.
• Applications must clearly state the job title in the subject line.
• Documents should be clearly saved using the applicant’s full name, document type, and date of submission (e.g., FirstName_LastName_CV_10Jan2025).
• Paper applications will not be accepted.

Equal Opportunity MITU is an equal opportunity organization. Female applicants and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. MITU never asks for money at any stage of its recruitment process. If contacted by someone claiming to be from MITU and asking for money, please report it immediately.