Deputy Research Manager job at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) |

About the Organization

MUWRP is committed to actively engaging communities at various stages of the research process, from trial protocol development, through implementation, to dissemination of research findings. Scientists are encouraged to participate in engagement activities with the public both inside and outside the research community. Sharing our research work is a crucial part of the MUWRP pillars. MUWRP ensures the community members are informed of the research protocols taking place in their communities.

Job Description

Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP's portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program (EIDP) for surveillance of influenza and influenza-like viruses and other emerging infections in humans and animals; also, a PEPFAR funded program in HIV treatment, care and prevention in the districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Buvuma, Buikwe, Luwero, Nakasongola. Additionally. MUWRP seeks to fill the following position.
Contract Tenure: 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to the needs of the Organization

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management

Research Planning: Assisting in the development of research project plans, including objectives, methodologies, timelines, and resource allocation.
Coordination: Coordinating day-to-day activities of research projects, ensuring they stay on schedule and within budget.
Monitoring Progress: Tracking project milestones and deliverables, identifying and addressing any issues or delays.

Team Leadership

Team Supervision: Supervising and mentoring research staff, including junior researchers, assistants, and interns.
Training: Providing training and development opportunities for research team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Performance Evaluation: Conducting performance evaluations and providing feedback to research staff.

Data Management

Data Collection: Overseeing the collection, organization, and analysis of research data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Data Integrity: Ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of research data, following ethical guidelines and best practices.
Database Management: Maintaining research databases and ensuring data is accessible and properly archived.

Reporting and Documentation

Report Preparation: Preparing detailed reports and presentations on research findings for internal and external stakeholders.
Documentation: Ensuring that all research activities and processes are well-documented and comply with organizational and regulatory standards.
Publication: Assisting in the preparation of research papers and articles for publication in scientific journals.

Quality Assurance

Quality Control: Implementing quality control measures to ensure the validity and reliability of research findings.
Ethical Compliance: Ensuring that all research activities adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaboration: Collaborating with other departments, research institutions, and external partners to enhance research efforts.
Communication: Communicating research progress and findings to stakeholders, including management, clients, and funding bodies.

Strategic Contribution

Research Strategy: Contributing to the development and implementation of the organization's research strategy and goals.
Innovation: Identifying new research opportunities and innovative approaches to enhance research outcomes.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Advanced Degree: A master’s degree in a relevant field such as research science, social sciences, public health, economics, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. may be preferred for certain positions.
Specialized Knowledge: Advanced knowledge in the specific research area relevant to the organization.

Professional Experience

Research Experience: Several years of experience in a research role, including project management and data analysis.
Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience in leading or supervising research teams and managing research projects.

Skills and Competencies

Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to design research methodologies, analyze data, and interpret findings.
Project Management Skills: Proficiency in project management, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in using research tools and software, such as statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R) and data management systems.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for report writing, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

Personal Attributes

Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all research activities and documentation.
Leadership: Leadership skills to motivate and guide research teams.
Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing research priorities and methodologies.
Ethical Conduct: Commitment to ethical research practices and integrity.

Knowledge Areas

Research Methodologies: In-depth knowledge of various research methodologies, data collection techniques, and analysis methods.
Subject Matter Expertise: Expertise in the specific research domain relevant to the organization.
Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines governing research activities.