Research Scientist I (Clinical Development Department) [Based in Kigali] Full Time

We are seeking a Research Scientist I for 2-year-regular position (renewable) to work within Clinical Development Department at the International Vaccine Institute. (Duty station: Kigali, Rwanda)

Job Description

This job is responsible for coordinating, initiating and completing clinical research projects. It also ensures that all clinical research activities sponsored or assisted by IVI comply with the GCP guidelines and relevant regulations and are conducted with the highest quality standards, while ensuring protection of human subjects participating in IVI’s clinical research activities. This position contributes to vaccination campaigns from design to implementation and summary/reporting of results. It also involves developing new funding opportunities in accompanied with IVI’s mission and goals.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Conduct and complete clinical projects & studies

• Design, implement, and supervise clinical trials (protocol and related documents, submission to IVI IRB and to local IRBs and NRA in close collaboration with site PI) inside or outsourced IVI projects.
• Oversee the project interventions about designated diseases as well as supporting in writing new proposals, tools, protocols and all round support in conducting clinical and field trials.

1. Develop and maintain existing external networks and develop potential partners

• Assist global IVI in linking global and regional level partnerships to help maintain consistency of the technical issues.
• Coordinate and/or represent SNL in professional circles through meetings, conferences and presentations to use the network as leverage for program sustainability and scale up.
• Identify potential partners/countries for implementation of clinical research.
• Ensure in close collaboration with Program Management, Clinical Operations and Project Administration that potential partners have the capacity to conduct clinical research in partnership with IVI and contract is developed timely and following international and local standards.
• Contribute to developing budget in close collaboration with Project Management, Clinical Operations and Project Administration to accommodate project activities within available sponsored fund.
• Contribute in close collaboration with Clinical Operations to the selection and definition of terms of contract of Contract Research Organization (CRO) whenever needed.

1. Support on development of IVI clinical infrastructure

• Contribute in close collaboration with Project Management, Clinical Operations and Project Administration to archiving of project related documents (Research Agreement, Contract, project related standard operating procedures, etc.) at site and at IVI in accordance to regulatory authorities with updating any changes or modification to the project related documents properly.
• Contribute to vision and strategic leadership of projects in collaboration with local partners and direct supervisor.

1. Documentation and dissemination

• Publish scientific papers and give presentation at conferences internally and externally.
• Ensure that the scientific evidence of the research projects are published and shared with the international community timely and in compliance with international standards.

1. Contribute to developing new research opportunities

• Devise or assist in drawing up new research proposals and apply for funding and grants.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

1. Education Requirements

• Medical Doctorate or equivalent

1. Related Field Work Experience

• 8+ years experience in clinical research including 3 years experience in vaccine clinical trials

1. Technical and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• GCP knowledge and experience. Knowledge of statistics, epidemiology and study design.
• Experience working on clinical trial design and implementation, preferably with vaccines and in a developing country setting.
• Minimum 5 manuscript in peer reviewed international Journals to credit

1. Key Competency

• Planning & Organizing
• Communication
• Commitment to Continuous Learning

1. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in spoken and written English