Study Coordinator at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford | October 2024

Reports to: Country Medical Director – Africa Clinical Research Network

Salary: $45,000 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 a skilled Study Coordinator based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to work closely with the country Medical Director on various clinical studies. The successful candidate will have experience in clinical research coordination, with strong organizational skills and the ability to engage effectively with community stakeholders. A key aspect of the role will involve fostering community engagement to ensure the successful conduct of clinical studies.

Key Responsibilities

Study Coordination:

Work closely with the Medical Director to coordinate and manage clinical trials and research studies.

Oversee the day-to-day operations of clinical studies, ensuring timely regulatory submissions, compliance with study protocols, ethical guidelines, and other regulatory requirements.

Manage study timelines, recruitment strategies, and participant retention activities to meet study goals.

Community Engagement

Lead efforts to engage the local community to facilitate study participation and ensure clear communication regarding the purpose and benefits of the research.

Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, health professionals, and other stakeholders to support study recruitment and data collection efforts.

Conduct community outreach activities, ensuring culturally appropriate and effective engagement strategies.

Participant Management

Coordinate the recruitment, enrolment, and follow-up of study participants, ensuring informed consent is obtained and documented.

Provide information to participants regarding study procedures, potential risks, and benefits.

Ensure participant safety and confidentiality are maintained throughout the study.

Data Collection And Documentation

Ensure accurate and timely collection of data in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.

Maintain comprehensive study documentation, including case report forms, source documents, and regulatory binders.

Work with the data management team to ensure data accuracy and quality control processes.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure all study activities comply with ethical and regulatory standards, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Assist in the preparation of regulatory submissions and progress reports for ethics committees and regulatory bodies.

Prepare for and participate in audits and inspections as needed.

Collaboration With Study Teams

Act as a liaison between the study site, the Medical Director, sponsors, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth study operations.

Coordinate communication and meetings with study teams to discuss study progress, challenges, and next steps.

Work with study monitors to ensure compliance with study protocols and address any issues that arise during monitoring visits.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Life Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, or a related field (required). Certification in Clinical Research Coordination or related training is a plus.

Experience

Minimum of 3 years of experience coordinating clinical trials or research studies.

Experience working in community engagement or public health outreach is strongly preferred.

Prior experience in international or multi-site studies is advantageous.

Skills And Competencies

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with community members, healthcare professionals, and study participants.

Knowledge of clinical research regulations, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ethical guidelines.

Proficiency in using electronic data capture (EDC) systems and clinical trial management systems (CTMS).

Desired Attributes

Ability to work in a multicultural and diverse environment, with a strong commitment to ethical research practices.

A proactive approach to solving problems and addressing challenges in a dynamic research environment.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Work Environment

The Study Coordinator will be based in Tanzania, with regular travel to study sites and community locations. The role may require flexible working hours to accommodate study participants and community engagement activities.