Zambart is an independent Zambian research organization that was registered with PACRA in 2004. Zambart developed from a longstanding research partnership between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the University of Zambia which began in 1988, and it has become one of Zambia’s leading research groups specialising in Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

We facilitate quality interdisciplinary health research on issues of public health importance in Zambia. Over the years, Zambart has expanded its scope to include both qualitative and quantitative studies around TB and HIV as well as other infections and public health issues such as poverty, mental health and more. Results from numerous studies have contributed to policy and practice at both national and global levels.

Zambart staff form an interdisciplinary team with a range of expertise including epidemiology, clinical science, social science, laboratory, operations research, health systems and services research, health policy analysis, health economics, health communication research compliance and counselling.

Study Summary:

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the role and effectiveness of new TB skin tests and IGRAs in initiating preventive treatment for Tuberculosis infections in Zambia. The study will be a pragmatic parallel arm, randomised controlled trial. The project will run for 6 months (January 2024 – June 2024) in the Chipulukuso-Mapalo community, at two sites (Mapalo clinic and community hub established under the main TB REACH project).

This TB REACH will increase community awareness about TB preventive therapy (TPT), identify those at risk of TB infection, and put them on TPT. Use of shorter TPT regimens that have recently been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To support our wide range of research activities, we are looking for full time candidates to fill the following positions:

Research Nurse (01)- Chipulukusu-Mapalo, Ndola, 6 months contract

Position summary: The research nurse will be responsible for overseeing the ensuring that study participants are recruited and followed up and study related activities are done in accordance with the study protocol. She will be involved in informed consent giving for study participants and maintaining participant privacy and confidentiality.  She will be responsible for skin testing and blood collection for all study participants. The study nurse is tasked with the following.

Responsibilities:

• Collect blood samples on all enrolled participants.
• Conduct skin testing according to recommended guidelines.
• Follow up of participants and timely communication of study results to the participants for the unblinded study arms.
• Ensure that informed consent is duly administered consistent with the SOP.
• Conduct follow up study related activities on enrolled participants.
• Ensure data protection is maintained throughout the study.
• Report any protocol deviations immediately to the study manager and PI.
• Coordinate all TBI and TPT study research activities at both study sites and works effectively with other study team members.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Must be a grade twelve (12) and at least 21 years and above.
• Degree degree in nursing and registered with the General Nursing Professional council of Zambia.
• Experience in public health research or clinical trials will be an added benefit.
• Good social communication skills.
• Knowledge of TB/HIV research.
• Computer literacy and ability to use an electronic data capture device (tablet).
• A minimum of 3 years work experience.
• Fluency in English and one or more local languages spoken in the target communities.
• Must be willing to work long hours.