Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust
Job Description
Introduction
The Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in Collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others. We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian & International Scientists with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in region.
Overview
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Postdoctoral Research Associate -Study Coordinator to lead and manage a biomedical product design project. This role is ideal for a Ph.D. graduate in molecular microbiology or a related field who is passionate about translating research into innovative medical products suitable for use in resource-limited settings. The coordinator will oversee all aspects of the project, including study design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in project management, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a cutting-edge research environment.
Brief description of the project
Central nervous system (CNS) infections, including meningitis and encephalitis, are life-threatening conditions involving inflammation of the meninges and brain tissues. Across many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), laboratory diagnosis of CNS infections is often prohibited by the lack of cold-chain facilities to transport and store clinical specimens to central, national or regional reference laboratories with capacity for diagnostic testing. Our goal is to develop a low-cost, user-friendly dried spot kit to preserve clinical specimens for the molecular diagnosis of antimicrobial-resistant meningitis and emerging causes of epidemic arbovirus-related encephalitis. A technical expert group and product design specialists at the UK Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Institute Pasteur in Senegal will support the prototype dried spot kit’s development. Laboratory evaluations of the prototype kit will be conducted across three centres in sub-Saharan Africa. Working with Market Access Africa, we will develop a product introduction roadmap for the dried spot kit, resulting in a go-to-market strategy. When established, this solution which provides a pragmatic solution to the lack of cold chain to preserve clinical specimens will contribute to strengthening surveillance of CNS infections in LMICs.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities and expected deliverables:
- Project Coordination:
- Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of the dried spot kit project, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
- Coordinate related projects, clinical trials and laboratory evaluations in the group
- Coordinate the activities of a multidisciplinary team, including researchers, engineers, and clinical collaborators, to advance the project from concept to prototype.
- Manage project resources, including budget, equipment, and personnel, to ensure efficient and effective use.
- Study Design and Implementation:
- Develop and refine study protocols, including experimental design, data collection methods, and analysis plans.
- Ensure the study design adheres to regulatory requirements and ethical standards, obtaining necessary approvals from relevant Ethics and Governance Committees.
- Oversee the recruitment and enrollment of study participants, ensuring adherence to inclusion/exclusion criteria and informed consent processes.
- Data Management and Analysis:
- Supervise data collection, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and integrity across all study sites and teams.
- Perform or oversee statistical analysis of study data using appropriate software and methodologies.
- Maintain detailed records of all study activities, including data management and analysis procedures, to ensure reproducibility and compliance with good research practices.
- Regulatory and Compliance Oversight:
- Ensure that all study aspects comply with relevant regulations, including those related to human subjects research, biomedical device testing, and data privacy.
- Prepare and submit project documentation, including progress reports, amendments, and final study reports to study Sponsor, funders and other relevant agencies as required
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to conduct audits and inspections, addressing any findings promptly and effectively
- Communication and Dissemination:
- Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations to communicate study findings to the scientific community, stakeholders, and funding agencies.
- Present study results at conferences, seminars, and meetings, representing the research team and promoting the project.
- Coordinate with marketing and business development teams to translate research findings into marketable products, including participation in patent applications and technology transfer processes.
- Mentorship and Supervision:
- Mentor and supervise graduate students, research assistants, and other team members involved in the project, providing guidance and support as needed.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment, promoting teamwork and professional development among all team members.
- Health & Safety
- Observe and follow the Health and Safety Guidelines at all times.
- Ensure that all areas of the laboratory section are kept clean and tidy by implementing a routine cleaning and disinfection schedule as per instructed
- Attend at least once a year, the quarterly scheduled Health and Safety sensitizations
- Notify the Line Manager of all accidents, and potential hazards
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Ph.D. in molecular microbiology or a related field
- A Masters Degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage
- Experience:
- Demonstrable research experience in molecular microbiology or a related field.
- Previous experience with clinical trials and/or field evaluation studies
- A proven track record in publishing scientific research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Previous experience in project management or study coordination, preferably in an academic or industry setting.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements and standards for medical devices (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485) and human subjects research.
- Demonstrable experience in biomedical product design, including experience with prototype development, testing, and validation will be an added advantage.
- Skills:
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., STATA, R, Python) and statistical methods.
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- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high research integrity and compliance standards.
Method Of Application
Interested applicants should apply by sending, a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (with at least 2 professional referees) to the address below or email to [email protected] This should be in 1 pdf format.
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.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.
To apply for this job email your details to vacancies@mlw.mw