Additional information:

• The Mycology Division aims to improve the outcomes of people affected by serious, life- threatening fungal diseases in South Africa and the African region through public health-focused epidemiological, clinical and basic science research and innovation
• Their work also stretches to other important infectious diseases

Main purpose of the job:

• The post-holder will take a leadership role within the COMBAT Candida clinical program of work
• This incorporates a year-long prospective cohort study, tracking the acquisition, transmission and emergence of antifungal resistant Candida infection, colonization and environmental contamination within ICUs at five hospitals in Johannesburg
• Infection prevention and control, and antifungal stewardship interventions and audits, alongside point prevalence studies of antimicrobial prescription
• The observational study will lead into a phase IIb/III randomized controlled trial of combination antifungal treatment for Candida bloodstream infections at the same five hospital sites, for which the post-holder will take the role of Lead Clinician
• The post-holder will be expected to contribute to the development of study protocols, work practice documents and databases, and to effectively train and manage study teams
• They will have the opportunity to take part in data analysis and the preparation of peer-reviewed publications arising from the study, to contribute to related sub-studies or projects, and to take on any roles as directed by the principal and chief investigators
• Development of independent research plans will be expected and supported within the CombAT Candida program, with potential to register for a PhD at Wits related to mycology, fungal genomics, epidemiology, health economics or an area of particular interest to the candidate

Location:

• Johannesburg Trial Sites x5:
  • Helen Joseph Hospital
  • Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
  • Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital
  • Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre
  • Netcare Milpark Hospital

Key performance areas:

• Contribute to the development of study documentation including trial protocols, patient information sheets and consent forms, SOPs/WPDs, quality assurance and quality control guidelines and training manuals
• Manage the recruitment of eligible patients according to protocol requirements
• Participate in regular meetings between the clinical teams at the sites and ensure good communications between sites and the trial management group
• Maintain close contact with the trial management group and consult them on strategic issues that might have any safety or major financial implications for the project. This will include, but not be limited to, collation of weekly reports of study progress to be shared with the trial management group and funders, and detailed reports for the Data Monitoring Committee and Trial Steering Committee
• Conduct clinical trial in accordance with GCP regulations and standard operating procedures
• Proactively resolve protocol queries and missing data with the Trial Management Group
• Conduct regular site team meetings to identify, discuss and solve study queries
• Meet with Trial Monitors as and when required
• Play a supervisory role for the study clinical and nursing teams to ensure that teams adhere to the set standard operating procedures in the conduct of clinical trials and that all staff are fully trained in the SOPs pertaining to their daily work
• Perform and facilitate performance development and assessments in conjunction with the Site PIs
• Ensure that all employees are developed to their full potential
• Conduct staff training i.e., CRF completion training, quality assurance and other study related training
• To act as a leader, resource and role model
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the Site PI, Senior Research Clinician and/or CI

Required minimum education and training:

• MBBCh Degree
• Additional medical specialty training in clinical microbiology or infectious diseases would be advantageous

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 3-year’s work experience after community service, preferably in a clinical research or academic environment

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Ability to function and operate strategically with sound clinical and business acumen
• Confidentiality, tact and discretion must be maintained at all times
• Displays concern for the safety and well being of patients.
• Thorough, with good attention to detail
• Ordered and systematic in approach to tasks, with strict adherence to protocol
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills are required together with working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Able to exercise discretion and independent decision-making
• Ability to prioritize own work load, take initiative (pro-active) and work to tight deadlines
• Self-motivated with a high regard for work ethic, values and integrity
• Certification in good clinical practice (GCP), project management and a background in research including analytical skills will be an advantage

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications: 17 December 2024.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note:

• AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.