Research Coordinator at Epidemiological Research and Investigation Consultancy (ERIC Institute) Limited

Epidemiological Research Institute and ERIC Institute are trading names of Epidemiological Resources and Investigation Consultancy (ERIC) Limited, established in 2015 as an epidemiological research and public health consultancy firm that specializes in assisting clients with epidemiological studies and surveys, analyzing data from these studies as well as the reporting on these studies.

ERIC also assists clients with planning, implementation and evaluation of public health projects. The firm has a core and network of consultants that have strong capabilities in public health, epidemiology, data science and statistics, nutrition, implementation science, and sociology that employ high quality quantitative and qualitative research methods to deliver solutions and guidance to our client’s needs.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Coordinator

Location: Kaduna
Employment Type: Contract

Overview of Project
Epidemiological Research and Investigation Consultancy (ERIC Institute) Limited, is an epidemiological research and public health consultancy firm based in Nigeria, in collaboration with Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and African Academy of Sciences, will be implementing a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) funded piloting of a Maternal and Child Health Research Project called the Kaduna Infant Development (KID) Birth Cohort Study. The project's primary goal is to investigate the environmental factors that contribute to the development of childhood stunting in Nigeria.

Globally, almost a quarter of under-five children are stunted, and Africa contributes to a third of the global burden of childhood stunting (impaired growth and development). Stunting predominantly occurs in the first 1000 days of life and often begins during pregnancy. The maternal and child health research project will be conducted in Northern Nigeria to provide insight on intrauterine exposures that could adversely impact prenatal and postnatal growth. The two-year project which started in December 2021 will end in November 2023 and will be implemented in Kaduna State of Nigeria.

Summary

• The Research Coordinator works with and under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI).

Job Description

• An experienced Research Coordinator is sought to oversee this study in Kaduna State for a period of 20 months.
• The position reports to the Principal Investigator and from whom s/he receives day-to-day technical supervision and other support.
• The Research Coordinator will support, facilitate and coordinate daily research activities.
• S/he will work with the Principial Investigator of the study, research sponsor and institution and colleagues to support and provide guidance on aspects of the study e.g., administration of the compliance, finance and personnel.
• The Research Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the program plan, coordinating core teams, arranging network meetings, coordinating training evaluations, monitoring of programs and ensuring that all program milestones are met.
• S/he will ensure that budget and reports timelines are met and a good working relationship established with Key Project Personnel.
• The Research Coordinator will provide overall coordination of the research study, overseeing the ethical implementation of the study, participate in training of data collection staff and coordinates data collection; oversee recruitment and follow-up of human participants, as well as to write and edit reports and manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Principal Investigator and study personnel in the strategic planning of study implementation.
• Collaborate with the PI, department, and institutional administration to ensure that research and related activities are performed in accordance with federal regulations and sponsoring agency policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the PI to prepare Institutional Review Board /Kaduna State Ministry of Health Research Ethics Committee/National and any other regulatory submission documents as required by the protocol.
• Oversee the Development of protocols, data collection tools, workflows, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Assist the PI in development of materials and tools necessary to appropriately train individuals involved in the conduct of the study around issues related to (but not limited to) protocol requirements, execution of research plan. Maintain documentation of training. Provide appropriate training and tools for study team members.
• Ensure the efficient day-today operation of research activities and serve as the point of contact for internal study staff
• Monitor and maintain records of the progress of research activities, prepare periodic reports
• Collaborate with PI and institution to respond to any audit findings and implement approved recommendations.
• Collaborate with the PI and department to prepare a categorized budget and justification. Confirm accuracy and completeness of budgeted costs.
• Attend investigator meetings as required or requested by the PI.
• Prepare other study materials like informed consent documents case report forms (CRFs), enrollment logs, and drug/device accountability logs.
• Assist PI in submission of informed consent documents to Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) for review and approval.
• Establish and organize study files, including, regulatory binders, study specific source documentation and other materials.
• Screen subjects for eligibility using protocol specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, documenting each potential participant’s eligibility or exclusion.
• Assist PI in communication of study requirements to all individuals involved in the study. Maintain study timelines and adequate inventory of study supplies.
• Plan and coordinate regular advisory board and steering committee meetings.
• In conjunction with the PI, execute targets within agreed time lines.
• Supervise data management including data cleaning and analysis
• Participate in writing and editing of a technical reports and manuscripts for publication or presentation.
• Perform any other programmatic duties related to the study.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Demography, Microbiology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biological Science or any other Biology or Science related subject, Master's degree will be an added advantage
• At least 3 years’ experience in maternal and child health related research design, implementation and publication
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research models and data analysis
• Must have completed or being exempted from National Youth Service.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in writing high-quality reports to funders and other stakeholders
• Excellent English writing skill
• Highly proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Strong planning, time management and project management skills
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• Familiarity with quantitative data storage and analysis systems
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Results-oriented, professional, accountable and proactive
• Attention to detail and ability to deliver to a deadline
• Must be able to work independently with little supervision
• Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication skills.

Application Closing Date
30th March, 2022.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their updated CV and Cover Letter as a single word document to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note

• Candidates are advised to provide three professional referees with email addresses and phone numbers.
• Candidates that do not comply with the application instruction will be disqualified.
• We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
• Only shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation for an interview
• Any successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.
• There will be travel requirements and opportunities both within Nigeria.