Job Description
Job title: Clinical Study Project Coordinator / AMP Bobo-Dioulasso Platform
Manager
Project: Vaccine immunogenicity study in Burkina Faso
Duty station: Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso (not negotiable)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
AMP tentatively has received funding to conduct a vaccine immunogenicity
study in Burkina Faso
The trial will be conducted in collaboration with Centre Muraz, a public
health research center located in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). The study
will last approximately 2 years, this will require the incumbent to reside
in Bobo-Dioulasso. The incumbent is expected to manage and organize the
project locally, as well as to provide technical oversight, in collaboration
with staff from Centre Muraz and from clinical sites.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Coordinator will oversee all aspects of field implementation of
the study; will assist with study implementation design, identify problems
and propose and implement solutions; coordinate activities with local
partners in Burkina Faso such as Centre Muraz and the Burkina Faso Ministry
of Health; liaise with activities in Togo; work with staff at the AMP
headquarters and field offices and manage local AMP staff in Bobo-Dioulasso.
Depending on the skill of the incumbent, they may also take on
responsibility for data analysis and report and manuscript writing.
AMP and Centre Muraz are also developing a joint research program on
vaccinology called LAMIVAC (Laboratoire Mixte International de
Vaccinologie). The current study is a precursor to fully developing this
collaboration. Study implementation is the key responsibility for the
incumbent but they will also be asked to identify and respond to other
opportunities for collaboration.
As platform manager the person will report directly to AMP’s Chief Operating
Officer and will work closely with a Project Operations Manager assigned to
the project. For scientific and technical matters, the Project Coordinator
will report functionally to the AMP Program Leader and to AMP’s Scientific
Director. .
1) Take responsibility for overall project implementation and clinical
management
Establish agreed upon methods for conducting the study, according to the
protocol
Adopt standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the agreed upon methods in
French and English
Assure that training documents exist and staff training takes place
Assure that a data entry tool exists and that data entry quality is
maintained
Ensure that a system for sample collection, storage, and transportation
exists and is of high quality; oversee this system and ensure that the
integrity of samples is maintained
Directly oversee sample collection, including being present when samples
are collected
Supervise or provide input into supervision of field staff involved in the
project, including CRAs, clinical assistants (for blood drawing), laboratory
staff, data managers, and others
Coordinate all activities with staff at Centre Muraz
Coordinate activities of AMP staff (CRAs, Datamanager, Data-entry clerc,
logistician etc.) - provide feedback on activities to project PI
Conduct follow-up visits to each centre to ensure that SOPs are being
implemented to a high standard and that safety procedures are being
followed – coordinate activities of CRAs
Ensure that records of laboratory studies are recorded in an appropriate
way
Participate in audit procedures
Prepare with the Principal Investigator the meetings of the Project Data
Safety and Monitoring Board.
2) Develop and coordinate the development of project documents as needed
including
Provide input to protocol modifications and amendments, including Ethical
Committee review and approval
Field manuals
Training tools
Manuscripts (depending on qualifications)
Presentations (depending on qualifications and according to the rules of
publication)
Provide input to project PI in writing reports to the sponsor (frequency
depending on sponsor requirements)
3) Act as the primary study coordinator (specific activities will depend on
qualifications)
Work with the AMP and Centre Muraz field staff to suggest and assist with
the implementation of mechanisms to improve country-level field
implementation
With the input of the study PI and AMP Scientific Director, address
methodological issues on an ongoing basis and propose adjustments to study
implementation as needed
Become recognized as an international expert on vaccine immunogenicity
field trials management.
4) Participate in the AMP-Centre Muraz LAMIVAC project development
Discuss with Centre Muraz staff the potential for new collaborative
activities
Propose to AMP management new topics and projects for inclusion in LAMIVAC
Identify and respond to funding opportunities
Work with the overall LAMIVAC team to propose, design, and implement
systems for optimal management.
5) Manage the AMP platform at Bobo-Dioulasso
Manage and supervise the AMP team based in the AMP Bobo-Dioulasso platform
Represent AMP in Bobo-Dioulasso and facilitate other projects to interact
with locally based partners and institutions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Overall, we are seeking for someone with both clinical trial and management
skills. However, the latter are essential for the position.
A pharmacist or biologist with doctoral degree is preferred, but not
required. A clinical research associate certificate or a strong experience
in international clinical trial coordination including budget management is
required. We will also consider strong candidates from Public Health and
PhDs with the same experience in clinical research
Experience in managing and leading teams of at least 3-10 people
Experience in coordinating and managing a clinical trial, preferably in a
developing country setting.
Degree in public health with an emphasis on vaccinology or 2 years of
relevant experience/training in vaccinology or epidemiology (such as the
EPIVAC, EPIET, FETP, or EIS course)
Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills, lots of energy, and ability to
work as part of an interdisciplinary team
Computer skills including Microsoft Office®
Enthusiasm for living and working in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
It is critical that the Study Coordinator is fluent in English and French
(writing, reading, speaking). Please do not apply to this position unless
you are fluent in both English and French.
TRAVEL
This position requires minimal travel. Most travel will be between Burkina
Faso and Togo or Burkina Faso and AMP headquarters in Paris, France.
DUTY STATION
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. This is not negotiable. Please do not apply to
this position unless you are willing and eager to live and work in Burkina
Faso.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and training. The
position will be a short-term, fulltime contract (CDD) for 12 months with an
opportunity to extend to the full length of the project and beyond depending
on performance and funding.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and curriculum vitae
to Benjamin Schrieber at bschreiber@aamp.org before April 30, 2011.
Benjamin Schreiber
Chief Operating Officer – Directeur des Opérations
Agence de Médecine Préventive
164 Rue Vaugirard – Paris 75015 - France
Tel.: (00.33) 01.53.86.89.20 - Fax.: (00.33) 01.53.86.89.39 – Mob.: (00.33)
06.19.66.49.29
www.aamp.org