Medical Director at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford | October 2024

Reports to: CMO & COO – Africa Clinical Research Network

Salary: $80,000 pa (USD) in local currency, dependent on experience

Our Mission

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) works to develop and deploy advanced technology in pursuit of solving some of humanity’s most challenging and enduring problems. Guided by world leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs, EIT seeks to accelerate innovation by driving scientific and technological advancements across four humane endeavours: health and medical science, food security and sustainable agriculture, climate change and clean energy, and government innovation and era of artificial intelligence.

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At the Ellison Institute, we believe that an inclusive, collaborative team atmosphere is just as important to our mission as our scientific aims and methods. We strive to build a supportive environment where everyone feels confident taking creative risks toward innovation. We value emotional intelligence and communicating with empathy and respect for others. We foster a team that is curious, has a deep sense of commitment, responsibility, and the resilience needed to achieve excellence.

Job Summary

We are establishing a clinical research network and are on a mission to revolutionise clinical research in Africa. Our vision is to build a sustainable, African-led research ecosystem that drives health equity and innovation. By establishing a network of world-class clinical research sites and capabilities, we aim to generate the evidence Africa needs to inform health decisions and policies, while cultivating the next generation of African scientific leaders.

Africa has been underrepresented in global clinical research, conducting only 2% of clinical research despite shouldering 25% of the world’s disease burden. While there have been significant investments in disease-specific clinical research sites and networks, these approaches have often led to fragmented infrastructure, limited capacity, and reliance on expatriate leadership. Such models have struggled to drive long-term sustainability or meet the broader health needs of African countries and regions beyond narrow therapeutic areas. Consequently, health products and policies in Africa are often informed by data from other settings, which may not fully account for the rich diversity of African populations and local contexts. This lack of locally relevant evidence hinders the development of tailored health solutions that effectively address Africa’s unique challenges and priorities.

Our clinical research network is on a mission to transform this landscape. By partnering with leading institutions and trial units across the continent, we will establish a network of clinical research sites that serve two critical goals: diversifying global research and empowering Africa to meet the healthcare needs of its rapidly growing population.

Our network will be designed to catalyze Africa’s self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical and vaccine R&D and manufacturing, ensuring the continent can drive its own health innovation agenda. We will establish digital and clinical infrastructure, while prioritizing deep community engagement to foster trust, relevance and impact.

At our sites, we will conduct rigorous, ethical research that puts African populations and priorities at the centre. By generating high-quality local data that reflects the diversity of African contexts, we can accelerate the development and delivery of tailored global health solutions – for Africa, by Africa. Our goal is to build sustainable research capacity that outlasts any single study or funder, empowering African institutions to become global leaders in clinical research and scientific innovation for generations to come.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Medical Director with a medical background (MD, MBChB, PhD) and clinical research experience to lead our organization. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in clinical research, healthcare management, and strategic leadership. They will oversee the company’s overall operations, ensuring sustainable growth, regulatory compliance, and the advancement of our research and clinical programs.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

Provide visionary leadership to ensure alignment with the company’s mission and growth objectives.

Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and operational excellence.

Clinical Research Oversight

Lead and oversee regional clinical research initiatives, ensuring that they meet ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards.

Collaborate with regional research teams to develop, implement, and deliver clinical trials.

Ensure compliance with local and international research regulations, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Operational Management

Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation, budget management, and process improvement.

Work with the organisation’s senior leadership team to ensure that country-level objectives are aligned with the company’s overall goals.

Implement policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and staff performance.

Financial And Resource Management

Work with the company’s HQ to develop and manage the company’s budget, ensuring financial health and sustainability.

Identify funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support clinical research and healthcare projects.

Accountable for financial performance, strategic initiatives, and operational matters.

Stakeholder Engagement

Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, research institutions, and funding agencies.

Represent the organization at national and international forums, conferences, and meetings.

Compliance And Regulatory Affairs

Ensure that all operations comply with the relevant legal, ethical, and regulatory standards in Tanzania and internationally.

Liaise with regulatory authorities to ensure timely approvals for research projects and clinical trials.

Team Development And Leadership

Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.

Promote a positive work environment, fostering teamwork and professional development across all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

Medical Doctor (MD) (MBChB) or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Medicine, Clinical Research, Biomedical Sciences).

Strong understanding of clinical trial design, execution, and regulatory frameworks.

Proven experience in strategic leadership, financial management, and operations.

Demonstrated ability to build and manage teams effectively.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Familiarity with healthcare and clinical research regulations in Tanzania and internationally.

Desired Attributes

Minimum of 7 years of experience in clinical research, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior management role.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Ability to work under pressure and navigate complex healthcare environments.

Commitment to ethical standards and patient safety.

Innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

Experience with interventional trials.

Work Environment

The Medical Director will be based in Tanzania and must be a resident or willing to become a resident to secure this employment. The role may involve domestic and international travel to attend meetings, conferences, and oversee partnerships.