Medical Officer – Klebs Cohort (Doctor)

About the role

The University of the Witwatersrand’s VIDA Research Unit is seeking a Medical Officer to lead clinical research within the Klebs Cohort study. Based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, you will provide medical leadership for vaccine‑preventable disease investigations affecting infants and young children.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clinical insight and direction for all phases of research, from participant screening to data oversight.
• Perform study‑related procedures, including blood draws, nasopharyngeal aspirates/swabs, and other clinical sampling on infants, children, and adults.
• Screen, consent, and enrol participants; manage sample storage, transport, and laboratory coordination.
• Abstract and verify infant and maternal source notes, maintaining accurate enrolment and abstraction logs.
• Plan, implement, and monitor research activities in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Collaborate with programme and organisational management to ensure efficient study conduct.

Required profile

• Medical doctor with experience in clinical research, preferably in infectious diseases or vaccine studies.
• Familiarity with paediatric and neonatal surveillance and the ability to work with vulnerable populations.
• Strong understanding of GCP, ethical consent processes, and clinical trial regulations.
• Excellent organisational and project‑management capabilities.

Required skills

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) compliance
• Clinical trial procedures and participant management
• Sample collection techniques (blood draws, nasopharyngeal aspirates)
• Data abstraction and verification
• Project management

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to high‑impact vaccine research across Africa.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities at a leading academic hospital.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team.