Research Clinician/Obstetrician (Propel Study) at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia

Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia - Works to improve the health of people in the UK and around the world by supporting excellent science, and training the very best scientists.

The MRC Unit, The Gambia is undertaking a rotavirus vaccine impact and effectiveness study in children less than 5 years old residing in Upper River and Central River Regions Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS). The proposal aims to assess the impact of a rotavirus vaccine introduction on incidence of moderate to severe diarrhoea (MSD). etiology and adverse clinical consequences.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Clinician/Obstetrician (Propel Study)

Location: Gambia
Start Date: Friday, May 8, 2015.

Job Information   
The MRC Unit, The Gambia is the Council's largest establishment conducting medical research in a developing country. The Unit aims to improve the health of people in low-income countries by excellence in multi-disciplinary research programmes. We are undertaking a randomized clinical trial that will examine the effects of administering a pneumococcal-conjugate vaccine either to expectant mothers or to newborn infants within 48 hours of birth, on pneumococcal carriage (as a surrogate of pneumococcal disease) in early life.

Job Responsibilities

• We are looking for a Research Clinician/Obstetrician with significant clinical experience to join a clinical trial team with well established clinical trial capacity as well as strong neonatal and paediatric skills.
• The post-holder will be required to oversee the dating scans to be undertaken during the recruitment process and will provide additional training to other members of the team alongside the MRC radiology department.
• The post-holder will take a central role in the identification and assessment of pregnancy related complication and thus clinical experience is central to this post and training in the associated clinical trial activities can be provided for a suitably skilled candidate although research experience would also be of benefit.
• S/he will also be required to work on standard operating procedures and other clinical trial documentation related to the care of pregnant mothers as well as other aspects of the trial.
• The post holder will be based at MRC Fajara but will be required to work at two Health Centres where the trial will be conducted.
• Although not part of this post, the applicant may have additional research opportunities which could be fostered during time at the MRC Unit in The Gambia given the importance of maternal health in the future sustainable development agenda.

Essential Requirements

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification.
• FWACOG/MRCOG part 1 or equivalent.
• Significant ongoing clinical obstetric experience including the ability to undertake and oversee dating scans to establish gestational age.
• The ability to manage obstetric emergencies and pregnancy related complications.
• Experience in managing staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• A flexible and well-organised approach to work and an ability to meet deadlines.
• Attentiveness to detail.
• Willingness to be on-call and work outside the normal working hours.

Desirable

• Part 2 FWACOG/MRCOG.
• Postgraduate qualification (Masters/Doctoral level).
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience providing obstetric care in a comparable setting.
• Previous experience in conducting clinical trials according to ICH-GCP.
• Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access).

Remuneration and Condition of Service

• The post is up to 31st January 2017 in the first instance.
• The salary will be paid in Grade 2 and will be dependent on qualifications and experience.
• The take home salary for a Research Clinician 1 is 65, 9332 Dalasi per month equivalent to a net salary of $1, 648 per month.
• Candidates with part 2 FWACOG/MRCOG will be appointed as Research Clinician 2 with a take home salary of 72, 763 equivalent to $1, 819 per month using the prevailing USD/Dalasi exchange rate.
• Please note that the salary will be paid in Dalasis and the USD figure quoted is given as a guide using the prevailing USD/Dalasi exchange.

Application Closing Date
17th June, 2015.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should send an email to: [email protected] to request an MRC application form and the Job Description.

Completed application forms, together with copies of qualification and a recent CV's should be sent to:
Human Resources Office,
Vacancy for: Research Clinician/Obstetrician (Propel Study),
MRC Unit, Fajara,
P.O. Box 273,
Banjul,
Gambia.

Telephone: 00220 4495442-6, 00220 4494072-9
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mrc.gm