Vacancy: Research Clinician - MRC The Gambia
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The MRC Laboratories, The Gambia represents the UK's major pub-
lic investment in medical research in a developing country. A
long established Unit (50 years), which works closely with The
Gambia Government, it is an important part of the community and
one of the top employers in the country. The overall aim of the
Unit is to improve the health of people in low-income countries
by aiming at excellence in research programmes. These focus on
the major health problems of the region. The field and labora-
tory based work draws on excellent research and clinical facili-
ties and attracts international funding.
The Unit has an established staff complement of about 80 scien-
tists and clinicians from many parts of the world, as well as
hosting many visiting researchers and over 600 support staff.
The main base is in Fajara on the coast and comprises laborato-
ries, a hospital, offices, workshops, residential accommodation
etc. There are field stations upcountry - Basse, Farafenni,
Keneba, and Walikunda. The Unit also operates from Bansang for
the Pneumococcal Vaccine Trial.
Grade: Occupational Group D3-E2 depending on qualifications and
experience
Purpose of the job:
The post-holder will lead in the organisation and delivery of
clinical care in the Genito-urinary Medicine clinic in Fajara
(Sexually Transmitted infections/Human Immunodeficiency Vi-
rus/Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome) and will lead some of
the clinical research studies of HIV/AIDS, STI and TB. With the
team of staff in the virology programme, she/he will design,
execute, analyse and present the clinical component of the re-
search studies.
The post-holder will:
* Organise and perform clinical research trials, mostly related
to HIV, associated with the GUM clinic. This includes management
and training of field assistants, drivers and other junior staff
involved in the studies. It also includes developing and main-
taining excellent relationships with study participants and the
local population.
* Work closely with virology, immunology, serology, data manage-
ment, epidemiology, statistics, bacterial diseases and clinical
services staff to ensure the research projects are successful.
* Develop and execute solutions to the various practical prob-
lems that may arise during fieldwork or clinics.
* Liaise with government health officers and develop good work-
ing relationships. Work with collaborators both within The Gam-
bia and internationally to further the needs of the trial.
* See, investigate and manage patients with Genito-urinary com-
plaints at the GUM clinic.
* Coordinate and supervise the various counselling requests that
come from the ward, GOPD and from other health clinics.
* Supervise the training of trainee counsellors, phlebotomists
and student nurses sent to the GUM clinic for training or at-
tachments and participate in the training activities of the
unit.
* Participate in the preparation of training manuals i.e.
STI/HIV etc. Some of these are in use in the GUM clinic, or-
phans' vulnerable children information etc.
* Assist in writing research protocols and standard operating
procedures for the studies.
* Participate in the regular HIV/AIDS and TB research meetings,
also in other clinical and in-house scientific meetings as and
when required.
* Together with the Senior Clinicians he/she will be responsible
for the management of HIV/AIDS and TB cases admitted on the ward
and attending the MRC clinics.
* Contribute to the writing of scientific articles and keep
abreast of the relevant scientific literature.
* Participate in the MRC hospital on-call rota for adult medi-
cine and paediatrics.
* Undertake all clinical work following the relevant safety
rules and regulations as laid down in the MRC Safety Manual.
Relationships:
(i) The post-holder is a full-time member of the MRC staff.
(ii) The post-holder will report to Dr. Samuel McConkey.
(iii) The Unit Director is Dr Tumani Corrah.
Appraisals:
Appraisals are held at least annually.
Length of appointment:
The appointment is to 28th February 2005 initially and is sub-
ject to a probationary period of 6 months.
Any other duties:
To carry out any other duties consistent with the remit and
level of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION - RESEARCH CLINICIAN
1. Education and Qualifications
MB BS or equivalent medical qualification.
FWACP Part 1 or equivalent.
2. Experience and job related knowledge
* Minimum of three years post-graduate experience, with prefer-
ence given to genito urinary medicine.
* Good record keeping skills
* Excellent written and spoken English
* Experience of supervising staff
* Computer literacy in Windows, Word, Excel, database and sta-
tistical software
3. Abilities and Aptitudes
* Ability to deal sensitively with study subjects and patients
with HIV and STI.
* The ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team, includ-
ing scientists, public sector and NGO staff.
* Excellent communication skills
4. Other
* Willingness to work flexible hours and be on-call.
5. Preferred
* Although not essential, FWACP and pat experience of clinical
trials would be an advantage.
The minimum total salary package for the post will be 332,620
Dalasis per annum. For displaced staff the package will include
rent-free furnished accommodation, flights and shipment of per-
sonal effects.
Further details are available from the
Personnel Officer
Medical Research Council Laboratories Fajara
P.O. Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa
Tel: +220-495-442/6 & 494-072/9
Fax: +220-494-494
mailto:personnel@mrc.gm
When applying please submit a CV and covering letter indicating
how you meet the person specification. The closing date for ap-
plications is 8th December 2003.
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