MRC UNIT THE GAMBIA
JOB DESCRIPTION
FIELD ASSISTANT
SOCILA SCIENCE – TB SEQUEL
1. Job title: Field Assistant (Social Science) - TB sequel
2. Introduction:
Established in 1947, the Medical Research Council in The Gambia has an international reputation for ground-breaking research into some of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the tropics. Achievements include a large trial showing the efficacy of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine in The Gambia and the subsequent near elimination of the disease, pioneering studies of the impact of insecticide treated bed nets as a preventive measure against malaria leading up to their worldwide use, studies demonstrating the impact of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines on pneumonia and child mortality and the demonstration of a dramatic reduction in the carriage of Hepatitis B in The Gambia due to the effects of vaccination.
To reflect changes in national and global health priorities and new international funding opportunities a new research portfolio has been organized under three themes: Disease Control & Elimination; Vaccines & Immunity; Nutrition. These themes have been selected to target national health needs, to reinforce sub-regional and international links and to address some of the major current priorities in the Millennium Global Health Goals.
The Vaccine and Immunity theme hosts the Tuberculosis (TB) case contact (TBCC) platform at the MRC that provides a unique opportunity for studies on Tuberculosis in areas such as immunology to gain understanding of the immune processes associated with disease and protection. It currently hosts the multi-site TB Sequel Project, which is an integral part of an overall strategy to fill a knowledge gap needed to improve TB treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the evolution of pulmonary symptoms and functional lung impairment as well as risk factors and immunological biomarkers contributing to lung outcome.
3. Accountability:
The Post Holder will be accountable to the Clinic Coordinator.
4. Purpose of the Job:
The post-holder will be required to administer socio-economic source documents, counsel study participants on identified social issues related to the study and ensure completeness of other study related source documents generated in the clinic and the field. The post holder will handle field petty cash. In addition, he/she will also prepare field boxes for recruitment and visits and also ensure that all documents are filed at the end of the visits.
5. Grade 6-13 Points.
6. Role:
The post-holder will:
Ø Coordinate the flow of study specific forms (sensitization forms, consenting logs, AE logs, screening/enrolment logs etc) between MRC Fajara and the case recruitment sites in Greater Banjul Area
Ø Receive, check and batch forms.
Ø Check the content of the forms for completeness.
Ø Enter the information on these forms and other information in a dedicated utility database (separate from the main study database)
Ø Make corrections in the utility database accurately and efficiently under supervision when necessary.
Ø Measure and document daily temperatures of fridges containing study samples and report any deviation immediately
Ø Keep a record of monthly temperature readings
Ø Prepare clinic boxes
Ø Prepare cold boxes to transport samples from sites to the labs
Ø Manage petty cash.
Ø Assist with the storage of data in a safe place.
Ø Organise an efficient office.
Ø Retrieve sample forms from the laboratory and file these forms accurately
Ø Organise an efficient office
Ø Replenish office supplies
Ø Prepare and send source documents to data pool for data entry and retrieve and file these documents securely once data entry has been completed
Ø File all consent forms securely
Ø Assist in the maintenance of investigator’s site file
Ø Tracking of source documents and data
Ø Practice confidentiality in the handling of sensitive data.
Ø Perform clerical and other general duties as required.
Ø Prepare source documents for archiving once the trial is over.
Ø Validate the checking and the cleaning of the data
Ø Organise double data entry
Ø Perform double entry verification and assist the Data Supervisor in resolving discrepancies
Ø Evaluate and report to the Data Supervisor on the quality of data entry
Ø Supervise and monitor the performance of Data Entry Clerks under line management
Ø Deliver OJT as required
Ø Demonstrate a appreciation of the wider scientific context in which data is collected
Ø Undertake all work strictly following the safety guidelines as laid down in the MRC’s Safety Manual.
7. Relationships:
i. The post-holder is a full-time member of the MRC staff.
ii. The post-holder will report to Dr Olumuyiwa Owolabi.
iii. The post-holder will report to Dr Jayne Sutherland the Principal Investigator of the study.
iv. The theme Leader for the Vaccines and Immunity Theme is Professor Beate Kampmann
v. The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D Alessandro.
8. Appraisals:
Appraisals are held at least annually.
9. Length of appointment:
The appointment is for 12 months in the first instance and is subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
10. Any other duties:
Carry out any other duties consistent with the remit and level of the post.
Signed Post Holder: Signed Line Manager:
Date: Date:
Person Specification
Social worker TB sequel
1. Essential
· A minimum of 3 “0” levels at credit level which should include English and Mathematics or another recognised equivalent (this could be gained through experience).
· Computer literacy in one of the Microsoft Office packages
· Excellent keyboard skills
· Good written & spoken English
· Fluency in two local languages, e.g. Mandinka, Fula, Wollof
2. Desirable
· Excellent communication skills
· The ability to be attentive to detail
· The ability to work co-operatively in a team
· Willing to take extra work without frown
· Willingness to work in other stations and flexi time when necessary.