Research Assistant , Mbeya

Locally known as the Walter Reed Southern Highlands AIDS Program, the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) is an international non-governmental organization working in several countries conducting research studies and providing care and treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS.  HJFMRI is funded by the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief PEPFAR. 

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHSW), HJFMRI has been leading a comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania since 2004 with support from the President’s Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  The program is based within the Mbeya Referral Hospital and has since extended to more than 100 health facilities in Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma regions, which collectively represent a catchment area of about 6 million people.  Mbeya region is one of high prevalence regions in Tanzania and expansion of HIV care and treatment programs is critical.

Walter Reed Program is seeking qualified candidate to fill the position below.  Cover letters and resumes should be sent to the Human Resources Manager, P.O. Box 6396, Mbeya or e-mailed to;  jobswrpmbeya@gmail.com.  NOTE:  to be considered, applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE. Deadline for submission of the application is Wednesday August 28^th, 2013. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements as detailed below should not submit applications.

Job Description

Position:           Research Assistant

Reports to:      Research Coordinator

Location:         Mbeya region with frequent travel to the Southern Highlands and Dar es Salaam

General Overview:    

The purpose of this position is supporting the implementation of Research Activities in the WRP Southern Highlands Program. The Walter Reed HIV Program of the Southern Highlands together with the NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Center (MMRC) the University of Munich and the Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH), aim to improve treatment and care of HIV infected patients through clinical research tightly integrated into the routine implementation of the national ART Program. Projects conducted in the collaborative setting focus on treatment experienced HIV infected patients, the management of HIV associated diseases such as Cervical Carcinoma and Tuberculosis and program evaluation of the PEPFAR funded ART program in the southern highlands of Tanzania, integrating research activities into the routine patient care, capacity building and infrastructure development. The Program is seeking to fill the position of Research Assistant, to support the implementation of Research Activities in the WRP Southern Highlands Program

Duties and Responsibilities:

The candidate will be responsible of the following duties and responsibilities;

·         Ensuring that he/she supports the implementation of research activities of the WRP program.

·         Assist in collection, compilation and analysis of data generated from different Program activities and laboratory assays carried out at Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH).  

·         Assist in compiling and analyzing data for impact evaluation studies carried out in the PEPFAR Program.

·         To work closely with the different departments of the program so as to ensure that Research objectives of the program are met.

·         Assist in conducting PEPFAR related impact evaluation studies. 

·         Assist Research study teams in coordination of roles within the study as directed by the Research Director.

·         Assist in Abstraction of Data from patient charts and files in the field and onsite as per need.

·         Validate quality of data elements/data editing for all data collected for research purposes.

·         Provide computational research support

·         Assist in generating and compiling laboratory assay data as required.

·         Conduct literature searches as required.

·         Assist in Training of laboratory personnel in experimentation techniques for protocols according to GLP procedures

·         Tabulate research data and record results of experiments

·         Assist in preparation of research manuscripts and research presentations

·         Develop and maintain research databases.

·         Assist in keeping accurate records of experiments and investigations carried out within the program.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Qualification:

The suitable candidate should have:

·         A Bachelor of Science Degree in Laboratory or Research Science related field.

·         Able to analyze data generated from Laboratory assays and field studies.

·         Good understanding of General Laboratory and PEPFAR Program activities.  

·         Ability to compile and analyze data for scientific manuscript preparation.

·         Conversant and proficient in the use of Computational software.

·         Be able to comprehend Research Practices and Procedures, and ready to learn.

Interpersonal SKILLS

·         Excellent organizational and analytical skills

·         Good coordination skills and ability to work in a team.

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

·         Fluency in English      

·         High degree of commitment

·         Willing to work independently in a multidisciplinary team.

·         Ability to tend to detail.

·         Ability to maintain records and inventories.

Walter Reed Program is an equal opportunity employer; women are highly encouraged to apply.