MUBAS will be conducting a study titled IMPALA (www.projectimpala.org/), in collaboration with its national (including the Kamuzu University of Health Science, KUHeS) and international partners (including Amsterdam Institute of Global Health, AIGHD).

Overall project aims of IMPALA

The IMPALA project aims to improve the suitability of a patient monitor developed for paediatric patients in Malawi. During the project, the data from two clinical- and several usability-studies will be applied to further improve the monitor and its acceptability. The project will be performed by a multidisciplinary consortium with partners in Malawi (KUHeS, Training and Research Unit of Excellence), The Netherlands (AIGHD, National eHealth Living Lab and GOAL3 BV), and the United Kingdom (Imperial College London). The project is funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, EDCTP. The overall goal of the IMPALA project is to reduce in-hospital mortality in children in Malawi by improving early detection of critical illness, allowing timely life-saving treatment.

The IMPALA project seeks to recruit two competent and dynamic individuals who are willing to pursue a Master of Science programme tenable at MUBAS or KUHeS. The areas of the research programme will generally be in medical devices, and specially will include quantitative and qualitative analysis of human factors for medical devices and medical signal processing and analysis. Possible choices of programmes include MSc in Bioinformatics (KUHeS), MPhil in Applied Sciences (MUBAS), and MSc in Infrastructure Development (MUBAS).

The successful candidates will be offered a scholarship under the IMPALA project. They will contribute scientifically at a master’s level by demonstrating appropriate leadership in medical device usability analysis and medical data acquisition and processing, including publishable manuscript writing. They will liaise closely with the principal investigators/academic supervisors locally and internationally and will be required to spend considerable time at the study sites.

The Master of Science trajectory will be embedded in the IMPALA project, an exciting multidisciplinary research project at Zomba Central Hospital (ZCH) and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Malawi. The program will be for two years and will lead to an award of a degree upon fulfilling the academic requirements. Details of the programme are as follows.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Perform usability evaluation studies of the IMPALA monitor
2. Monitor the device during clinical trials at ZCH and QECH
3. Collect and analyse usability data of the IMPALA monitor. Such data might include social and technical (hardware and software) aspects of the device and vital signs data.
4. Report the device performances such as alarms, faults, and user experiences
5. Train and supervise clinical personnel during usage of the IMPALA monitor
6. Facilitate transcription and translation and ensure the preservation of high-quality data
7. Ensure data security, including confidentiality and safe backup.
8. Ensure ethical conduct of research and support ethics governance, including documenting informed consent and organising the protocol study file.
9. Interact closely with team members to develop a thorough understanding of relevant study procedures and processes.
10. Disseminate IMPALA research findings using appropriate media.
11. Make presentations at conferences or exhibit IMPALA work at other appropriate events.
12. Monitor and communicate progress, maintain a work plan, and ensure timely execution of tasks during the study.
13. Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time by the IMPALA project team.

Qualification requirements

At the minimum, the candidate should have at least a second class of any of the following qualifications: BSc in Biomedical Engineering, BSc in Biomedical Sciences, or BSc in Electronics/Electrical/Computer Engineering. Those with experience working in clinical settings, particularly in developing and implementing new (medical) technologies will have an added advantage. The candidate should have excellent spoken and written English and Chichewa.

Application Procedure

To apply, please include the following information with your application:

1. Cover letter describing:
   Why you are interested in the master’s program described in the advertisement.
   What makes you suitable for the IMPALA project.
2. CV including contact details, personal data, highest degree, language skills, contact details for 3 referees, completed courses, work experience and a summary of your undergraduate thesis.
3. Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements.
4. Transcript for your undergraduate studies.
5. A letter of recommendation from one of your undergraduate lecturers/professors, preferably your undergraduate thesis supervisor.

MUBAS is an equal opportunity research organisation and does not discriminate according to nationality, gender or religion. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

All interested applicants with the required qualifications and experience should send their applications to talentsearch@mubas.ac.mw indicating “IMPALA MSc Programme” In the subject line. Closing date for the applications is 4 February 2022. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.