Deputy medical field investigator (M/F) 12 months (renewable)

  • Full-time

Company Description

The Research Department at Epicentre conducts research and supports MSF’s goal of proving medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or have poor or non-existent access to health care. Epicentre is a research organization created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986. Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, training and research activities for MSF interventions. Our activities for populations in precarious situations are led from Uganda, Niger, and France, and are conducted with international research partners, including MSF.

Epicentre has been conducting research activities in Niger since 2003. The country is experiencing a situation of recurrent food insecurity and a high prevalence of infectious diseases. In this context, Epicentre, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières sections and other local partners, as well as local authorities and international agencies, is developing research projects that meet the health needs of the population.

Job Description

Mission and Responsibilities

The Deputy medical field Investigator oversees setting up the study sites and monitoring and controlling the scientific, technical, and regulatory quality of a nutritional trial in Maradi. He/she reports the results of activities to the Field Investigator directly and to the rest of the study team.  

 

Main activities

The clinical trial will take place in 2 phases:

-          A first phase of preparation and planning (12-months) in 2021

-          A second phase of implementation from 2022 onwards

 

Phase 1:

 

Preparation and planning

·       Assist in gathering the necessary information for the implementation phase of the study;

·       Participate in the design and implementation of tools and/or methods specific to implementation;

·       Check the conformity and/or validity of the documents relating to the study;

·       Checking the feasibility of the logistic circuits of the study;

·       Lead and follow the progress of process(es) specific to implementation.

Phase 2 :

 

Implementation of studies

·       Assist in the organization of training for staff dedicated to the study and data collection;

·       Organize the sensitization of participants in collaboration with colleagues;

·       Organize working meetings, visits, conferences concerning the study;

·       Organize data verification for monitoring purposes;

·       Assist in the drafting of technical documents.

 

Follow-up and day-to-day management of the study under the responsibility of the field investigator

·       Follow all adverse events;

·       Supervise field study teams;

·       Ensure that study procedures are followed;

·       Ensure the good quality of data collected with the data manager;

·       Ensure compliance with Epicentre's ethical and operational principles (SOPs, policies, etc.);

·       Centralize and analyze data (verify and control questionnaires, consent forms, etc.);

·       Participate in the planning and implementation of ongoing staff training in study procedures.

 

During both phases:

 

Study Liaison and Communication

·       Share information with Epicentre's logistics and administrative departments;

·       Gather information on any events that may influence study activities and/or data collection;

·       Ensure regular contact with Epicentre referents: keep them informed of project progress and discuss any problems encountered in the day-to-day management of the project;

·       Participate in the drafting of the monthly report on activities carried out, in progress or planned (sitrep);

·       Participate in reporting results to partners and authorities and in writing articles.

Qualifications

Requirements:

·       Medical doctor diploma

·       Master's degree or diploma in Clinical Research Assistant or Epidemiology

·       Mandatory experience as a Clinical Research Assistant

·       Project management experience in the field of clinical research is desirable.

·       Mandatory experience in treatment or studies related to acute malnutrition

·       Demonstrated knowledge of Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and procedures related to clinical research

·       Perfect mastery of written and oral communication in French and English

·       Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team

·       Good written (reports, written exchanges, etc.) and oral (meetings, etc.) communication skills.

Additional Information

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

·       Fixed-term position (12 months - renewable)

·       Based in Maradi, Niger

·       Start date: December 2020 or January 2021

·       Status: local contract or expatriate MSF/Epicentre

If expatriate contract (residence outside of Niger)

o   If less than 12 months experience with Epicentre/MSF : indemnity of 1134€.

o   If more than 12 months experience with Epicentre/MSF, gross monthly salary 1765€ and 2078€

 

To apply:

Please send your application (CV + cover letter) no later than 10th of December 2020.

Only online applications.