Research Assistants, Mortuary Study – 3 positions

Global Programs for Research and Training is registered as an international NGO in Kenya, wholly owned and affiliated to the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).

The Ministry of Health – National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), University of California San Francisco – Global Programs, and Centers for Disease Control are conducting a mortuary and hospital-based surveillance of HIV-associated mortality. The objectives of the study are to estimate the proportion of HIV/AIDS-associated deaths among children and adult cadavers in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kisumu County Referral Hospital mortuaries) and pilot the use of OraQuick® for rapid HIV testing using saliva.

Global Programs for Research and Training is seeking qualified research assistants to conduct this study. These positions will require nine-months commitment.

The research assistants will work under the direct supervision of the study coordinator and overall supervision by principal investigators.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend the full study training to understand the purpose and intent of the study, as well as the plan for implementation.


• Work in close collaboration with hospital staff in the mortuary and in the wards to ensure that all eligible cadavers are enrolled into the study.


• Collect relevant study data from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kisumu County Referral Hospital records.


• Collect study data from mortuary records into an electronic database


• Coordinate collection, documentation, transportation, tracking and processing of all blood and oral samples.


• Ensure data collected is safely transmitted to the designated central location.


• Provide routine progress reports to the study coordinator


• Ensure data quality by responding to data manager’s queries.


• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

The selected research assistant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Medical Laboratory, Public Health or any other health-related field.


• Knowledge and understanding of public health research issues, specifically regarding HIV/AIDS.


• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in diverse team.


• Excellent verbal and written communication.


• Proficiency in using Microsoft office and strong typing skills.


• Willing to be based in Kisumu for the duration of the research project.


• Fluency in English or Swahili.


• Willingness to work in mortuary settings

Added advantage

• Training in Biosafety and Good Clinical Practice is an added advantage.


• Experience in laboratory or/and mortuary research settings.

How to apply:

Qualified Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply.

Applicants desiring consideration for this post should submit the following indicating the position being applied for:

· Cover letter with current position & salary (if applicable) and date available

· Current cv with names and telephone numbers for 3 referees

Applications must be sent by email to: HR.Kenya@ucglobalprograms.org with the email subject Research Assistant - Mortuary Study by end of day Monday, December 17^th, 2018

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.