Science Officer - Research Registration & Management

Job Description

Requirements

• Sound knowledge of research ethics principles, national and international research governance
• frameworks, and regulatory review processes.
• b) Ability to critically review study protocols for scientific, ethical, and regulatory compliance across
• diverse disciplines.
• c) Working knowledge of Material Transfer Agreements, data protection requirements, and
• management of research involving human participants and biological materials.
• d) Proficiency in records and database management, including web-based research management
• information systems.
• e) Strong report writing and data analysis skills, including preparation of statistics, periodic reports, and
• briefs for management and Council.
• f) Competence in standard ICT applications (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases).

Responsibilities

• Receive, screen, and register research protocols and applications submitted to UNCST for clearance, ensuring
• completeness and compliance with submission requirements.
• 2. Review study protocols against the National Guidelines for Research Involving Humans as Research
• Participants, and other applicable research regulations, guidelines, and laws.
• 3. Verify that research proposals have received prior ethical approval from accredited Research Ethics
• Committees (RECs) before processing for national clearance.
• 4. Process and facilitate the issuance of research permits and clearance letters to qualifying local and foreign
• researchers within stipulated timelines.
• 5. Maintain and update the national register/database of cleared research protocols, registered researchers, and
• accredited Research Ethics Committees.
• 6. Support the accreditation, monitoring, and supervision of Research Ethics Committees to ensure adherence
• to national research ethics standards.
• 7. Track and follow up on the submission of progress reports, final research reports, and research outputs by
• cleared researchers, in line with clearance conditions.
• 8. Monitor ongoing research activities to ensure compliance with approved protocols, clearance conditions, and
• material transfer requirements, and flag cases of non-compliance.
• 9. Respond to enquiries from researchers, institutions, and stakeholders regarding research registration,
• clearance procedures, and requirements.
• 10. Support the review of applications for the transfer of biological materials and data, and ensure compliance
• with Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) requirements.
• 11. Liaise with relevant lead agencies, district authorities, and host institutions on matters of research
• authorization, facilitation, and oversight.
• 12. Prepare periodic reports, statistics, and analytical summaries on research registration and clearance activities
• to inform management and Council decision-making.
• 13. Contribute to the review and updating of national research registration and clearance guidelines, procedures,
• and digital systems (including the online research management portal).
• 14. Sensitize researchers, institutions, and the public on national research clearance requirements and processes.
• 15. Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor