Research Team Lead

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

PATH is a partner to the National Malaria Elimination Centre (NMEC) in the effort to control and eliminate malaria in Zambia. PATH is partnering with the NMEC to implement a Phase III large-scale trial of a promising new tool for malaria vector control, the attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB). The trial is operating in Western Province in the districts of Kaoma, Nkeyema, and Luampa from 2021-2023. The trial design is an open-label two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial with multiple endpoints. These include epidemiologic measure of impact from a longitudinal cohort study and from a cross-sectional household survey. Study participants from 80 clusters will be enrolled in cohort and household surveys. The cohort study participants will be visited monthly for malaria testing from December to June. The study will be conducted from December 2021 – June 2022 and from December 2022 – June 2023. Household studies will be conducted in April/May 2022 and April/May 2023.

PATH seeks to recruit a Research Team Lead for the ATSB study. Reporting to the Trial Manager, the Research Team Lead will be responsible for overseeing the cohort and cross-sectional household surveys. They will provide supervision and oversight to research study supervisors/zone leads and will work with supervisors to ensure that the research teams complete visits on time and according to the protocol and standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and review the study plans on a weekly basis with Research Zone Leads and ensure that they have appropriate plans for their study teams in order to complete work as planned on time.
• Work with Research Zone Leads to develop transportation plans and solutions to ensure that all teams have transport to complete their daily assignments.
• Ensure that research teams have the necessary supplies to conduct study visits, including malaria rapid diagnostic tests, antimalarial treatment, talk time, and tablets in working order. Identify and address shortages ahead of time to avoid running out of essential research supplies.
• Ensure consenting process is completed for all research participants and ensure that consent forms are properly stored.
• Review the cohort study visit data within the Commcare system on a daily basis. Identify problems including late or missed visits, or incomplete or poor quality interviews. Review these problems with Research Zone Leads and ensure that they develop action plans to address these problems.
• Support pre-service and on-the-job training for his/her team members. This includes support for data review within Commcare, and other research training.
• React rapidly and efficiently to problems, communicate with team members to identify solutions, and ensure solutions are implemented in a timely manner.
• Inform the Trial Manager of any challenges, problems, or incidents that occur with study participants and/or within study communities.
• Ensure that any adverse events or severe adverse events related to the cohort study are reported to the Trial Manager within 24 hours.

Required Experience

• Grade 12 certificate (Essential)
• Diploma or its equivalent in a relevant field an added advantage (Essential). Degree-holder (Desirable).
• Experience serving as a team supervisor for a quantitative community-based research studies that used electronic forms on tablets or phones for data collection (Essential)
• Experience developing and maintaining daily and weekly plans and assignments for one or more research teams to complete study interviews on schedule (Essential)
• Experience with antimalarial testing using rapid diagnostic tests and treatment with antimalarial treatment, for example through working on a malaria research study or for a health project or health center (Desirable)
• Familiarity with reviewing and interpreting data in spreadsheets, tables, and charts/graphs (Essential)
• Ability to think and act proactively by anticipating challenges and problems and developing strategies to prevent or mitigate challenges (Essential)
• Experience working with the Ministry of Health and District Health Offices.
• Excellent team management, interpersonal, and communication skills (Essential)
• Knowledge and behaviours that support equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.

Must have legal authorization to work in Zambia.

PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.