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Research Assistant – PNEUMOPROTECT Study
- Blantyre
- Contract (Full-Time)
- Closing Date: 15/10/2025
Job Description
Duration: 4 months
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences or a related field
Desired attributes: Willingness to learn new concepts and blend skills from different laboratory and scientific disciplines, critical thinking and attention to detail. Experience in research methods and studies involving children.
Accountability: PNEUMOPROTECT Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator
Liaises with: PNEUMOPROTECT project staff, MLW staff, Health Centre Staff
Responsible for: Coordination of the clinical activities of PNEUMOPROTECT in accordance with international research standards
Job Summary: Working full time conducting research under the direction and supervision of the PNEUMOPROTECT Malawi leads. Assist the leads in conducting the research, generating and presenting research data, including co-authoring manuscripts.
Overview of role
The Research Assistant will be responsible for implementing protocol-driven activities within the PNEUMOPROTECT project. This includes monitoring participant recruitment, laboratory assessments and protocol compliance while ensuring that all study activities adhere to regulatory and ethical standards. The Research Assistant will serve as the primary liaison for the study team, investigators and collaborators.
Background
Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as the pneumococcus, is a bacterium that commonly colonises the back of the nose but can spread to cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. It is one of the leading causes of death from respiratory infections worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Malawi. Although vaccines given to young children have helped reduce disease, many adults, particularly older people and those living with HIV, remain at high risk. This is because adult vaccination is not widely available across LMICs, and current vaccines do not cover all types of the pneumococcus.
Our immune system can recognise parts of the pneumococcus, including certain proteins found on its surface. In healthy people, this recognition helps prevent severe pneumococcal disease. However, as people age or if they are immunocompromised, for instance due to HIV infection, these protective responses may be weakened.
In this study, we want to understand how these immune responses change, and which bacterial proteins trigger the best protection in the elderly and among adults living with HIV. This knowledge will support the development of a new, affordable vaccine that works better for vulnerable adults. We plan to recruit 96 adults in Blantyre, Malawi, including older adults and people living with HIV. We will collect blood and samples from the back of the nose and throat from each participant. These samples will be used to measure antibody levels, study how well the immune system recognises different bacterial proteins and assess immune cell activity. All information will be kept confidential, and participants will be fully informed before taking part.
Responsibilities
Study Protocol and Participant Management
- Maintain compliance with internal and external standards, protocol requirements, standard operating procedures (SOPs), ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Research Ethics Committees (RECs), regulatory authorities, and applicable guidelines.
- Review and draft study reports; manage and document protocol deviations, maintaining accurate research records.
- Author and review informed consent forms (ICFs) and other relevant REC submission documentation as needed.
- Review participant-level and cumulative data to ensure accurate interpretation and alignment with study objectives.
- Support appropriate interpretation, analysis, and presentation of study data, contributing to presentations, reports, and manuscripts as needed.
Coordination and Communication
- Organise and participate in study team meetings to plan and evaluate study activities, ensuring alignment with PNEUMOPROTECT goals.
- Liaise with study teams to procure project supplies and maintain adequate stock levels.
- Attend scientific meetings and seminars (internal and external) as available and as requested by the PNEUMOPROTECT Lead.
- Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance study processes, including innovative approaches to maximise the effectiveness of study. execution.
General Responsibilities
- Exhibit strong administrative and project management skills, effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with partners and collaborators at MLW, participating Health Centres, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, and University College London among others.
- Demonstrate flexibility to contribute to core program activities or other projects within MLW as required.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring that project milestones are met.
Training and Mentorship
- Assist in the training and onboarding of new staff to ensure protocol adherence and Good Clinical Practice.
Health & Safety
- Adhere to Health and Safety guidelines consistently, maintaining cleanliness and safety within the laboratory section by following established cleaning and disinfection protocols.
- Attend scheduled Health and Safety training sessions annually.
- Promptly report any accidents or potential hazards to the Line Manager. Failure to comply with Health & Safety protocols or to attend the required Health & Safety sessions will result in disciplinary action.
Requirements
Qualifications and experience
- BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences or a related field.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in clinical research, particularly in infectious disease.
- Strong familiarity with ICH GCP guidelines, clinical trial regulations, and protocol management.
Skills and competencies
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in conducting and supporting protocol-driven research.
- Data Management: Attention to detail in maintaining accurate data.
- Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clinical, research, and community partners.
- Project Management: Strong organisational abilities to manage multiple responsibilities and meet study timelines.
- Team Collaboration: Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, maintaining effective relationships with hospital, university, and MLW staff.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including some unsocial hours, with time off provided in lieu.
Remuneration and Benefits
MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary package commensurate with the position, a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance cover, pension scheme, gratuity benefits redeemable once every year, among others.
MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful job performance and other set criteria.
Applications should be received not later than 14th October, 2025. Interested applicants should apply by sending, a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (including at least 2 professional referees) to the email address: vacancies@mlw.mw. All documents should be submitted in one pdf file. Please use the subject line: Research Assistant Application (PNEUMOPROTECT Study).
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.