Vacancy at Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme
Position: Research Assistants – Clinical (78 Posts) – Infectious Disease Epidemiology (IDE) Group
Project: CHAMP Drug Study
Location: Mwanza, Malawi
Contract Type: One-year contract (Full-Time)
About MLW
The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others.
We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian and International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the region.
About the Role
We are seeking professional and experienced Research Assistants – Clinical (Medical Assistants and Research Nurses) to join the Infectious Disease Epidemiology (IDE) Group under the CHAMP Drug Study. The successful candidates will be working full time under the direction and supervision of the Senior Research Nurses.
This is a one-year contract based in Mwanza.
The Research Assistants – Clinical will report to the Senior Research Nurses.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Support implementation of community and facility-based study activities according to the study protocol and under the supervision of the Senior Research Nurse
- Conduct household mapping and community-based census activities within the study catchment areas
- Screen potential study participants, obtain informed consent, and support enrolment and randomisation procedures according to protocol and GCP requirements
- Administer study medication (DOT) during the intervention period and ensure proper documentation of dosing activities
- Monitor study participants during and after drug administration and promptly identify, document, and report adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) to the Senior Research Nurse
- Conduct participant follow-up visits and support health facility surveillance activities
- Collect, label, document, and transport study samples according to study procedures and laboratory requirements
- Collect accurate electronic study data using tablets and ensure completeness and quality of study records and source documents
- Resolve data queries and support routine verification of study data in collaboration with the study team
- For health facility surveillance, if needed, identify or facilitate the identification of study participants presenting for sick visits at health centres, and support collection of required study samples in line with study procedures
- Support community engagement activities with local leaders, volunteers, and health facility staff
- Ensure proper use, accountability, and maintenance of study equipment, tablets, consumables, and other field resources
- Maintain participant confidentiality, professionalism, and good working relationships with study participants, guardians, community leaders, and Ministry of Health staff
- Participate in study trainings, meetings, and other assigned study activities
- Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by the Senior Research Nurse, Project Site Lead, or study investigators
Supervisory Responsibility
- Work under the supervision of the Senior Research Nurse
- Collaborate with other field and clinical staff during study activities
- Support mentorship of newly recruited field staff when assigned
Resource Responsibility
- Tablets and electronic data collection devices
- Study drugs, sample collection materials, and consumables
- Study consumables and other field equipment
Qualifications and Experience
Research Nurses
- Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Technician from a recognised institution
- Registered with the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi
- At least 2 years' relevant clinical experience
- Medical Assistants
- Certificate in Clinical Medicine from a recognised institution
- Registered with the Medical Council of Malawi
- At least 2 years' relevant clinical experience
Remuneration and Benefits
MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes:
- A competitive salary package commensurate with the position
- A medical aid scheme
- 24-hour insurance cover
Pension scheme
- Gratuity benefits redeemable once every year, among others
- MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading, and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful job performance and other set criteria.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply by sending:
- A cover letter
- Copies of relevant certificates
- Detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (including at least 2 professional referees)
All documents should be submitted in one PDF file named as: firstname_surname_role applied
Subject line: Research Assistants – Clinical
Deadline: 19th June 2026
Safeguarding Commitment
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants, and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.