Field Worker – Medical job at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following position:

Position Code: FWM-726

Reports to: Project Team Lead

Department: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)

Project: Africa Oculomics Research Programme

Station: Kyamulibwa

Job Purpose

The position holder will support the implementation of the Africa Oculomics Research Programme by conducting standardized clinical and physical assessments in accordance with approved study protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The role involves collecting anthropometric, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal data while ensuring high quality, accurate and ethical data collection, participant safety, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities or duties

Principal duties;

• Measure participant weight and height using standardized equipment and protocols;
• Conduct bioimpedance analysis to assess body composition;
• Measure waist, hip and mid-upper arm circumferences;
• Perform skinfold thickness measurements using calibrated skinfold calipers;
• Ensure accuracy, calibration and proper use of all anthropometric equipment;
• Record and verify all measurements in data collection tools in real time;
• Measure blood pressure using brachial and central measurement techniques;
• Monitor and document readings according to study protocols and escalate abnormal findings as required;
• Administer the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB);
• Conduct Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) evaluations and falls risk screening;
• Measure hand grip strength using dynamometers;
• Support ophthalmic data collection activities under supervision and assist in participant preparation for ophthalmic examinations;
• Operate, maintain, calibrate and safely store field study equipment;
• Explain study procedures to participants and obtain informed consent in accordance with ethical research standards;
• Ensure participant comfort, privacy and dignity during all study procedures;
• Accurately record study data and perform real-time validation checks;
• Participate in protocol-specific training and competency assessments;
• Work collaboratively with study teams during participant recruitment, field mobilization and data collection activities; and,
• Undertake any other study-related duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Diploma in Nursing or a related health discipline;
• Training in clinical measurements or research field methods;
• Valid Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification;
• Human Subjects Protection (HSP) / Research Ethics Training certification;
• Knowledge of bioimpedance and body composition measurement;
• Ability to measure brachial and central blood pressure;
• Ability to administer SPPB, FRAX and falls risk assessments;
• Experience measuring hand grip strength using a dynamometer;
• Basic handling of ophthalmic study equipment and procedures;
• Understanding of clinical research protocols and SOP adherence;
• Knowledge of patient safety, confidentiality and research ethics;
• Basic understanding of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular assessments;
• Ability to accurately measure weight, height, circumferences and skinfold thickness;
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data collection;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work in field conditions and under supervision;
• Teamwork and collaboration skills;
• Integrity, professionalism and respect for participants;
• Ability to use electronic data collection tools;
• Willingness to travel and work in field settings;
• Flexibility to work extended hours when required;
• Highly motivated and team oriented;
• Reliability;
• Results orientation;
• Thoroughness;
• Ability to learn;
• Forward thinking; and,
• Openness to others.

Experience needed

• At least two (2) years' experience in anthropometry, blood pressure measurement or functional assessments;
• Experience conducting ophthalmic assessments and performing ocular imaging procedures;
• Previous experience working within the General Population Cohort (GPC);
• Previous experience in ophthalmic or vision-related studies;

• Measure participant weight and height using standardized equipment and protocols;
• Conduct bioimpedance analysis to assess body composition;
• Measure waist, hip and mid-upper arm circumferences;
• Perform skinfold thickness measurements using calibrated skinfold calipers;
• Ensure accuracy, calibration and proper use of all anthropometric equipment;
• Record and verify all measurements in data collection tools in real time;
• Measure blood pressure using brachial and central measurement techniques;
• Monitor and document readings according to study protocols and escalate abnormal findings as required;
• Administer the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB);
• Conduct Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) evaluations and falls risk screening;
• Measure hand grip strength using dynamometers;
• Support ophthalmic data collection activities under supervision and assist in participant preparation for ophthalmic examinations;
• Operate, maintain, calibrate and safely store field study equipment;
• Explain study procedures to participants and obtain informed consent in accordance with ethical research standards;
• Ensure participant comfort, privacy and dignity during all study procedures;
• Accurately record study data and perform real-time validation checks;
• Participate in protocol-specific training and competency assessments;
• Work collaboratively with study teams during participant recruitment, field mobilization and data collection activities; and,
• Undertake any other study-related duties assigned by the supervisor.

• Knowledge of bioimpedance and body composition measurement;
• Ability to measure brachial and central blood pressure;
• Ability to administer SPPB, FRAX and falls risk assessments;
• Experience measuring hand grip strength using a dynamometer;
• Basic handling of ophthalmic study equipment and procedures;
• Understanding of clinical research protocols and SOP adherence;
• Knowledge of patient safety, confidentiality and research ethics;
• Basic understanding of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular assessments;
• Ability to accurately measure weight, height, circumferences and skinfold thickness;
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data collection;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work in field conditions and under supervision;
• Teamwork and collaboration skills;
• Integrity, professionalism and respect for participants;
• Ability to use electronic data collection tools;
• Willingness to travel and work in field settings;
• Flexibility to work extended hours when required;
• Highly motivated and team oriented;
• Reliability;
• Results orientation;
• Thoroughness;
• Ability to learn;
• Forward thinking; and,
• Openness to others.

• Diploma in Nursing or a related health discipline;
• Training in clinical measurements or research field methods;
• Valid Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification;
• Human Subjects Protection (HSP) / Research Ethics Training certification;
• At least two (2) years' experience in anthropometry, blood pressure measurement or functional assessments;
• Experience conducting ophthalmic assessments and performing ocular imaging procedures;
• Previous experience working within the General Population Cohort (GPC);
• Previous experience in ophthalmic or vision-related studies;