RGCB Clinical Research Assocate Job Vacancy

Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

No. RGCB/SCI/01/2016

Position Summary

We have an exciting newly created opportunity for an ambitious research oriented medical graduate in our viral disease biology program. The ideal candidate will have a MCI approved MB.BS or equivalent degree and have a real interest in clinical virology and translational medicine. The position is required for an international collaborative project “Understanding Measles Vaccine Failure (and success) in Southern India” funded by the National Institutes of Health, USA and involving RGCB, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) and Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA). Opportunities will be provided to excellent performing candidates to take up a PhD in Translational Medicine in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and Emory University. This study is anticipated to be for five years subject to satisfactory progress. The monthly fellowship for the first year is Rs. 80,000 (consolidated).

About the Project

Measles is a global public health problem, being one of the top causes of death in children worldwide. Measles remains endemic in parts of the world such as Africa and Southeast Asia, and imported cases continue to cause outbreaks affecting tens of thousands of individuals, even in regions that had previously controlled or eliminated the disease. Measles vaccination began in India in the 1980s and the 2-dose schedule was introduced in 2010. Despite these vaccination campaigns and rising rates of vaccine coverage, India experiences hundreds of outbreaks yearly. In 2005, 92,000 children died from measles in India, and in 2010 that number had dropped to ~65,000, but still accounts for nearly half of all global measles mortality. Measles vaccine (MV) failure clearly plays a role in the global outbreaks, where between 10-50% of cases occurred in individuals who had been previously immunized. In India, vaccine failure is an even greater problem as sero-protection rates < 75% have been documented. Our objective is to better understand measles vaccine failure southern India. The proposed aims provide an exciting opportunity to study mechanisms of measles vaccine failure in a region of the world directly impacted by endemic disease. Data obtained from our investigations may better predict vaccine efficacy, determine origins of vaccine failure, and develop a better mechanistic understanding of the effect of vitamin A on measles immunity.

Primary Responsibilities

1. The clinical research associate (CRA) will be responsible for recruitment, of potential study subjects, preparation of trial related documentation (protocols, case report forms, consent forms, etc.)
2. The CRA should coordinate and keep the teams updated on subject recruitment process. This also involves coordinating with key personnel RGCB, hospitals and field doctors. This may not be restricted to Trivandrum Medical College and may involve other hospitals in the state. If we the required numbers cannot be achieved in Kerala then the study will spill over into Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, The clinical associate will take lead and implement these efforts.
3. The CRA will in close collaboration with laboratory personnel work closely with Mayo Clinic and Emory University in establishing screening methodologies to check antibody titer, virus neutralization assays, ADCC assays, pathogen arrays, B cell function, measles specific antibody ELISA’s, ELISPOT and human monoclonal antibody generation at RGCB.
4. The CRA will coordinate second time blood draw on vitamin A less and more individuals. Along with the laboratory personnelthe clinical associateshould standardize aim specific ELISA’s including those for vitamin A and establish a system to rapidly screen large sample volumes and essentially train other personnel and coordinate with them.
5. The CRA in close association with laboratory personnel must develop approaches for viral isolation and be on the look out for novel strains among patient samples.
6. The CRA must coordinate with health department to identify outbreaks thereby facilitating sample collection.
7. The CRA in close association with laboratory personnel must ensure that IgM/IgG response ELISA’s to measles should be worked up with Emory and established at RGCB

Qualifications

1. MCI approved and recognized MB.BS degree or equivalent.
2. Strong interpersonal and project management skills.  
3. Solid oral, written communication, and presentation skills.
4. Must be proactive and self-disciplined and meets deadlines, demonstrates effective use of time, and handles multiple assignments simultaneously.
5. Advanced competence in collaboration & teamwork.

Additional desired qualifications

Prior knowledge and experience working with viruses is highly desired.

Applications with complete bio-data (including any previous clinical research experience) and a statement of interest may be submitted as a hard copy to the undersigned or by email tomeasles@rgcb.res.in

Last date for receiving completed applications is February 22, 2016.