About

Zvitambo is a multidisciplinary public health research institute whose mission is to improve maternal and child health in Zimbabwe and to apply its findings to improve health globally. Zvitambo conducts research and provides technical support and education to reduce the burden of malnutrition and infectious diseases. Zvitambo is looking for an energized and committed team to help lead and support a clinical trial in Shurugwi, called COMBI - Cotrimaxazole for Mothers to Improve Birth Weight in Infants. COMBI is evaluating the effects of antibiotics (versus placebo) during pregnancy on birth outcomes. The trial will enrol 1000 pregnant women from three clinics in Shurugwi district and follo mother - child pairs until 6 weeks postpartum. The trial aims to investigate the impact of infections on birth outcomes, including the role of periodontitis. All posts are based full - time in Shurugwi.

Job summary

The primary role of the COMBI Trial Medical Officer is to review study participants, interpret their laboratory results, and assist the study nurse in providing antenatal and postnatal care. S(he) will work closely with the Project Lead and Study Nurses to ensure that a high standard of clinical care is provided to the participants. S(he) will assist the team in the detection of and response to problems on site, including potential adverse events following study drug administration, and pregnancy and postnatal complications. S(he) will manage newborns with clinical complications. S(he) will work at all three clinic sites in Shurugwi district.

Role and responsibilities

Ensuring proper screening, enrolment and follow - up of study participants; Performing physical examinations on all participants as required; Liaising with Senior Medical staff (both district and study medical staff) about complex clinical cases; Performing specimen collection on study participants; Maintaining proper documentation on all study participants; To promptly report all adverse events to the compliance department and to assist in the completion of adverse event (AE) forms in a timely fashion as required by the protocol; Participation in study - related training sessions and meetings; To correspond with the local Institutional Review Boards: Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ), Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Data Monitoring Committee.

Qualifications

Medical degree; Current practicing certificate; Registered with MCAZ; Experience in obstetrics and paediatrics; Excellent organisational skills, A strong team player; Strong motivational skills; Ability to work to strict deadlines; Computer literacy with practical experience with word processing programmes and spreadsheet forms; Fluency in Shona and English; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Clean drivers licence, A current certificate in Good Clinical Practice and Ethics is required by the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe; Previous experience on a clinical trial; Experience in delivery of rural healthcare; Post graduate diploma (or higher) in public health.