Director of research support centre
The College of Medicine has a vacancy for the position of Director of the Research Support Centre (RSC). The primary role of the position is to enhance the College’s reputation as a centre of excellence and an agenda-setting institution in health research. The Research Director directs and supervises overall administrative operations of the college’s research activities in support of goals and objectives as set out from time to time. The Director collaborates with Principal Investigators, Departments, Research Entities and relevant Institutional Committees to ensure research process implementation and strategic research initiatives are consistent and in compliance with established local and international guidelines, policies and practices.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Works closely with the departments and Research Entities and other appropriate stakeholders in the strategic planning and implementation of the College’s research goals and objectives, and to ensures consistency in operational and administrative activities as established in the College’s research policies
- Directs and supervises the approval of research proposal submissions for proper allocation of recognition, compliance, and availability of resources, including space, matching funds, infrastructure funds and contributed effort
- Serves as primary liaison/spokesperson of the college on research matters to ensure timely and thorough communication of activities, requests, policies and practices
- Acts as primary point of contact and steward to resolve problems and issues affecting research administration at all levels within the college, and recommend measures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of research support services
- Direct and coordinate institutional research information exchanges with other institutions
- Develop and implement a Research Information Service that ensures timely, effective and efficient information dissemination and support in the College.
- Work with Finance Office in the management and supervision of the College’s research funds including the management of research overheads.
- Develop, prepare and facilitate a variety of short courses, workshops, meetings, and conferences designed to enhance research skills,
- Provide leadership and guidance in the provision of clinical trials support services in the College, including clinical trial coordination and monitoring
- Serve on various boards and/or committees whose function relate directly to the College’s research enterprise.
- Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators associated with the College’s research enterprise; and determine strategies to enhance the Research Support Centre’s specific processes.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- At least a Masters degree level qualification, preferably in any health related sciences. PhD is an added advantage.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability
- A proven track record in generating original research and several years of health research experience with at least five publications in peer reviewed journals
- Several years’ experience at an appropriate level in a relevant higher education research environment.
- Knowledge and skills in research advancement/administration and delivery of support services.
- Knowledge of applicable regulations, standards and requirements associated with grant and contract research administration.
- Knowledge of financial and research management tools.
- Knowledge and skill in project or fiscal budgeting.
- Knowledge of current policies and directives that influence research administration
- Knowledge of principles, practices and methods of management and supervision of staff.
- Knowledge of computer applications (such as Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite) and operational knowledge of information dissemination technology such as grants.gov, sponsor’s websites.
- Skill in both verbal and written communication in English.
- Skill in analyzing and problem solving.
- Skill in management and interpersonal relations as reflected by prior management responsibility.
- Ability to work effectively in a matrix/complex organizational relationship requiring strong influencing and negotiating skills.
- Ability to quickly identify trends and develop/implement effective solutions.
- Ability to work effectively in an environment subject to quickly changing priorities and deadlines.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a very senior position within the College, which carry with it an attractive package of remuneration commensurate with the itemized responsibilities. Interested candidates should send their application together with updated copies of their curricula vita and three names of traceable referees to:
Registrar
College of Medicine
Private Bag 360
Chichiri
Blantyre 3
Email: registrar@medcol.mw
With a copy to: humanresource@medcol.mw
