Medical Officer (Doctor) Neonatal/Paediatric (12 Months Fixed Term Contract) Wits Vida

Additional information:Wits VIDA Research Unit conducts cutting-edge scientific researchThe Unit aims to save lives across Africa in low and middle-income countries through translational research that informs local and global policy recommendations on infectious diseases and the use of next-generation and novel vaccinesTheir research is focused on clinical and molecular epidemiology of vaccine-preventable disease, clinical development and evaluation of vaccines, the study of the immunology of vaccines including in people living with HIV, and basic science research aimed at the discovery of potential vaccine epitopesChild Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and locally led by Wits VIDA, works to save children's lives by collecting, analyzing, and sharing accurate, timely data about the causes of child mortality in the regions where it is highestCHAMPS transforms data into action, working at the local, national, and global levels to ensure sustainable changes in policies, systems, and health interventions to accelerate improvements in child healthThe paediatrics surveillance component of CHAMPS involves paediatrics and neonatal surveillance research and Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS)MITS targets paediatric patients under the age of five who have passed away, while paediatric surveillance focuses on viral and bacterial surveillance in infants across various tertiary hospitals across the countryMain purpose of the job:To provide medical leadership in support of clinical research activities, including overseeing relevant research streams, providing clinical insight and direction for all aspects of studies (including, for example, screening and enrolment of study participants, oversight of data and clinical research operations)Location:VIDA – Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto - JohannesburgKey performance areas:Clinical Research DirectionStrategic review and management of observational studies i.e., devising systems and processes to ensure effective and efficient study conduct in liaison with program and organization managementPerform study-related procedures, blood draws, vaginal and rectal swabs nasopharyngeal aspirates/swabs on infants, young children, and adults including pregnant women, and other procedures as requiredProject ManagementPlan, implement and complete the clinical research activities for the clinical trials or studies in accordance with Good Clinical Practice and Standard Operating ProceduresOversight of paediatrics surveillance, ensuring projects are scoped, planned, budgeted, and executed according to protocol guidelines and relevant policies and procedures, with effective resource management and collaborationOversee and implement the 10th and 11th International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10 and 11) for MITS and passive surveillancePrepare MITS cases for DeCoDe and capture them using ICD 10 or ICD 11 codingCollaborate with investigator/s and design projects in line with protocol requirements –Project planning including timelines, budgets where applicable, deliverables, dependencies, and resource planningManage teams and resources required including cross-functional inputs and teams/staff who may work across projects to effectively drive objectives and efficiencyImplement, document, and track project deliverables and milestones including all administrative requirementsCoordinate and conduct project-related training and skills assessments as well as provide site- or field-specific support in the case of multiple sites and/or fieldworkOrganize and attend or lead meetings, presentations, and calls as requiredDrive all regular internal and external report preparation and deliveryCollaborate and liaise effectively with colleagues and other departments towards effective and efficient project planning and deliveryIdentify areas for improvement in process flow and project management and collaborate with research leads/senior management to initiate and drive process improvements; take initiative and show ownershipQuality Assurance and Regulatory OversightAssist with creating CRFs and quality assurance of study file source data, i.e., clinical source notes and CRFsDevelop a research management plan in conjunction with PI and oversee and ensure complianceEnsure ethics and consent processes are followed as per GCP guidelinesCollaborate with investigator/s on participant recruitment and retention and contribute to community liaison strategiesDevelop and maintain unit and project-specific SOPsMaintain all site files and review monthly in collaboration with the regulatory departmentCreate and drive quality assurance framework for projects and ensure research quality and processes are adequately internally monitoredPerform monitoring and evaluation functions by ensuring that data is collected systematically on specified and agreed-upon indicatorsTraining/escalation for corrective action for site staff based on all applicable monitoring or quality findingsLiaison with the data management to ensure high-quality data and database managementComplete and submit Ethics and Regulatory documents or reportsTrack protocol approvals, communications, certifications, translations, insurances, and all study administrative and compliance indicatorsMonitor and report critical events and protocol deviationsAppropriately escalate all relevant issues to the required and respective stakeholdersAct as first contact liaison with the Ethics Committee in respect of all projects within your domain and liaise with the research administration and unit regulatory team on required submissions and maintenanceEnsure all administrative tasks are concluded efficientlyResearch and Academic DevelopmentSupport the development of long-term health sciences research including strategic planning and driving action plans with indicatorsPursue own research interests consistent with the overall research agenda of the organization and in conjunction with the research leadership teamAdvise on the implementation of large multi-site research and dynamically contribute to new, relevant research questionsDesign, write, and submit or contribute to new proposalsIdentify and pursue new funding opportunities in line with the organization's interest and own research goalsOversee adequate and accurate filing of all study-related filesPrepare for study closure and archivingConduct some data analyses and prepare tables as requiredIn conjunction with Study Managers and respective P.I, create and implement a sound Patient Retention Strategy (if required)Develop and implement required checklists e.g., Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria and Randomization Controls (where required)Ensure that donor compliance is met including procurement, timesheets, and all sponsor/donor reportsProvide ad hoc support to department or functional team leads to ensure that project targets and goals are metArrange site visits in conjunction with donorsCompile and ensure review and submission of accurate, factual reports to the various stakeholders in line with relevant requirementsLiaise with government departments and attend stakeholders' meetings as requiredOperational finance records and stock management of the projectLiaise with the maintenance and operations team to ensure the functionality of unit equipment and facilitiesGenerate reports including but not limited to: Participant recruitment and retention rates; tracking follow-up reports; progress reports on compliance; data management oversight reports; study deliverables reports, and any reports required by investigatorsCustomer Service and Stakeholder RelationsBuild and maintain authentic, professional relationships and communicate effectively and efficiently with all internal and external stakeholders (suppliers, collaborators, researchers, donors, etc.)Manage internal and external stakeholder expectations and communicate appropriately with initiative and solutionsMaintain a high standard of successful internal and external stakeholder relations (e.g., negotiations, building productive relationships)Escalate issues appropriately, ensuring adequate discretion and risk management, and demonstrate integrated problem-solvingEffectively manage work processes, the team, and relationships in order to maintain high levels of productivityStaff managementLead cross-functional teams to promote productivity within projectsTrain staff effectively; foster a practice of knowledge exchange and peer learningWork with management to empower and develop teams or individuals as skills needs or deficiencies are identifiedFoster an environment that promotes talent recognition, and development as well as agency and individual leadership; promote harmony, teamwork, and sharing of informationMentor, coach and facilitate personal and professional staff development wherever possibleEnsure teams comply with policies, unit standards, and administrative and internal communications requirements; promote company policies, strategies, and valuesManage staff effectively including accountability, performance, conduct, efficient working, processes, and corrective action as requiredDemonstrative effective delegation and decision-makingEffective self-management & performance ownershipTake ownership and accountability for tasks & activities and demonstrate effective self-managementActively and consistently maintain high standards of professionalism in all aspects of personal presentation and deliveryApply knowledge of the organizational systems, structures, policies, and procedures to achieve resultsFollow through to ensure that productivity standards are consistently and accurately maintained and provide appropriate resolution for challengesSupport and drive the organization's core valuesMaintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback; manage own disruptive emotions and stressTake ownership of driving your own career developmentRequired minimum education and training:MBChB/MBBCh DegreeAbility to effectively report and conduct basic data and quality analyses using Microsoft Office programsPost-graduate studies in Public Health or Epidemiology or relevant - desirableRequired minimum work experience:At least 3 years of Neonatal and/or Paediatric clinical experienceMust have reporting and presentation skills as well as some staff management experienceAttention to detail is criticalProfessional body registration:HPCSA registrationMedical Protection SocietyDesirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities:Experience with research and project management in a grant-funded research environment will be an advantageUnderstanding and experience in research environment, regulatory, ethics, and Good Clinical Practices; grants management administration; project management skills and usage of relevant tools; quality assurance expertiseAbility to liaise with external stakeholders at all levels including community healthcare workers, government, funders, community partners, academic collaborators, and internal partnersStrong networking and relationship-building abilityAble to draft and review Standard Operating ProceduresAdvanced computer literacy including basic data presentation and qualityConflict management and problem-solving abilityTO APPLY:Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.Please Apply Online.Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.The closing date for all applications: 15 April 2024.Note AJ Personnel is fully POPI compliant.Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.Please note:AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.