General Summary
Background:
The mission of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is to strengthen health systems in Africa with emphasis on infectious diseases through research, and capacity development. IDI has five operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment; Training, Research; and Laboratory and Outreach programs.
Project Background:
The meningitis research team aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of meningitis in adults. Currently there are 4 studies currently running in Kampala:
- COAST – an observational cohort study investigating etiologies and outcomes amongst adults presenting with meningitis.
- IMPROVE – an open-label, randomized controlled trial investigating the optimal strategy for 1HP TB preventive therapy for adults with cryptococcal meningitis.
- HARVEST- High-Dose Oral Rifampicin to Improve Survival of Tuberculosis Meningitis: a phase III double-blinded placebo-randomized controlled trial
- PLATFORM-CM - open-label randomized trial with single or potentially multiple interventional arms to compare the efficacy and safety of novel antifungal or adjunctive therapies to standard of care (SOC) controls of WHO first-line therapy.
In order to strengthen support to these core areas of operation, the IDI-Meningitis team seeks to recruit a full-time laboratory technician with the key responsibilities and duties listed below:
Job Title: Pharmacy Technician
Classification: Full Time
Duration: 1 year
Duty Station: Mbarara
Reporting: Study Coordinator
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Review and verify prescriptions written by clinicians to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and adherence to study protocols or standard treatment guidelines.
- Prepare and dispense study medications in compliance with the drug management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and institutional policies.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of stock movements and dispensing logs as required by the SOPs, protocol and regulatory authority.
- Conduct quarterly inventory audits of pharmacy stock, ensuring adequate supplies and proper storage conditions, with immediate reporting of discrepancies.
- Compile and submit daily, weekly, and monthly dispensing reports, including documentation required for research trial audits and monitoring visits.
- Support investigational drug accountability by maintaining proper documentation of receipt, storage, dispensation, return, and destruction of study medications according to study-specific SOPs, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and sponsor protocols regarding handling, labeling, blinding, and shipment of investigational medicinal products (IMPs).
- Participate in protocol development meetings, site initiation visits, and monitor visits as needed to ensure pharmacy readiness and compliance.
- Collaborate with the study coordinator and principal investigator to ensure drug supply continuity, adherence to randomization procedures, and accurate documentation for audits and inspections.
Documentation
- Provide drug dispensing documentation and tracking.
- Complete and maintain current training and certification in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP).
Team Work/Collaboration
- Will attend all study meetings to discuss patient care and other team-related activities
Academic Qualifications
Person Specification
Qualification, Skills, and Abilities:
- Diploma in pharmacy from a recognized institution
- Minimum of 3 years work experience in a clinical setting
- Must have registered with the Allied Health Professionals’ Council
- Excellent communication skills
- Computer knowledge and skills.
- An ability to work independently and with minimal supervision while functioning as a good team player.