Clinical Research Consultant

About Avencion: We are a Zambian-owned social impact enterprise that delivers innovative and technology-enabled development solutions to strengthen governments, companies, organizations, and communities.

Program Summary

In high income countries, Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), and its sub-categories (1) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and (2) Accidental Suffocation Deaths (ASD), are the leading preventable causes of infant mortality. The ensuing ‘back to sleep’ campaigns have since proven among the most effective public health strategies ever identified for reducing infant mortality.  Yet, in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) almost nothing is known about the burden of SUDI or its modifiable risk factors, and very few African countries have policies targeting SUDI.  In our recent systematic review, we documented a near absence of research on SUDI in Africa, excepting several well-conducted investigations from South Africa.  To address this knowledge gap we have designed Project Chisoni, a rigorous 5-year study to precisely define the burden of SUDI and its modifiable risk factors in Zambia. To achieve those broader goals, we have convened a multinational multidisciplinary team with expertise in pediatrics, cause of death analysis, SUDI, pathology, molecular biology, and SUDI epidemiology. In the quest to be successful at the above trajectory, we wish to recruit a Senior Clinical Research MITS Offer.

Main purpose of the Job

To conduct enrollment of suspected SUDI cases and assist the pathologist to implement Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) on the NHI Chisoni (SUDI) Project on Sundays and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

•  Study Protocol Operationalization and data collection
• Assisting with SUDI risk factor surveys
• Ensuring timely collection, collation, and transmission of data.

   Sample Collection and Management

•  Collaborate with Pathologist to perform MITS (Minimally invasive tissue sampling) on deceased infants and process sample according to SOP
• Collect venous blood from deceased infant and process sample according to SOP
• Collect Cerebral Spinal Fluid from Deceased infant and process sample according to SOP

Data Management

• Managing electronic data capture, including entry and upload of data from study tools to REDcap.
• Ensuring security and confidentiality of all study data both hardcopy and soft copy.
• Facility-Level Operational Strategies and Quality Improvement
• Implementing initiatives to improve protocol adherence.
• Executing set quality assurance/improvement activities
• Collaborating in strategic planning and reporting meetings.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Required Minimum Experience
• Previous experience in clinical care service deliver or related roles preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Previous experience in pathology, tissue samples, blood samples, trauma counselling, or a related field is highly desirable.

Note: This Scope of Work is subject to periodic review and may be updated based on the evolving needs of the project.

Follow the link to the application form:Chisoni SUDI Project Application Form