Probiotic Study vacancies

Vacancy announcement

THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MUHIMBILI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES (MUHAS)

P.O. Box 65001
Tel. G/Line: +255-22-2150302/6
Dar es Salaam
Telefax: +255-22-2150465
E-mail: vc@muhas.ac.tz
Ref. No. CA. 455/524/20
28th September, 2026
1.0 Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is a Tanzanian Premium Health and Allied Sciences University established in 2007 through Article 1 of the Charter of Incorporation in line with the Universities Act No 7 of 2005. Since its establishment, MUHAS has managed to have a range of programmes in biomedical, clinical and allied health sciences which necessitates increasing of number of staff to perform its intended function. In this context, MUHAS is inviting applications from suitable candidates for various posts as itemized below for teaching the programmes across seven Schools and one academic Institute of the University.

1.1 Job summary
The Probiotic Study is a Hybrid Type II effectiveness-implementation research study led by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. The study will evaluate whether multistrain probiotic supplementation - Labinic Drops (containing B. infantis, L. acidophilus NCFM, and B. bifidum Bb-06), 0.2 ml once daily for 30 days - can be effectively and safely delivered within routine neonatal care for low birth weight (LBW) late preterm and term infants across nine health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

A total of 5,810 neonates will be enrolled across three hub-and-spoke clusters: Temeke RRH, Mbagala Rangi Tatu DH, Yombo Vituka HC | Amana RRH, Kivule DH, Buguruni HC | Mwananyamala RRH, Mabwepande DH, Sinza HC. The study will generate evidence to support national policy on probiotic supplementation for LBW neonates and contribute to reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality from serious bacterial infections in Tanzania and across sub-Saharan Africa.

1.1.1 District assignments

• Temeke - Temeke RRH, Mbagala Rangi Tatu DH, Yombo Vituka HC

• Ilala - Amana RRH, Kivule DH, Buguruni HC

• Kinondoni - Mwananyamala RRH, Mabwepande DH, Sinza HC

1.1.2 Type of employment
This is a full-time project-based contractual employment of two years.

2.1 Projec Coordinator – 1 post

2.1.1 Duties and responsibilities
i. To Manage overall study conduct across all 9 facilities in 3 districts (Temeke, Amana, Mwananyamala) throughout the 24-month study period;

ii. To Supervise the 3 District Coordinators and coordinate all field-level study activities;

iii. To Ensure protocol fidelity, including correct application of protocol amendments - term babies (Amendment 1) and antibiotic-exposed neonates (Amendment 2);

iv. To Oversee supply chain management of Labinic Drops (probiotic product) across all 9 facilities;

v. To Work with the Data Manager to review monthly data quality reports and resolve open queries;

vi. To Coordinate the integration of study activities with the dispatch system for between-visit adherence monitoring;

vii. To Manage serious adverse event (SAE) escalation to the Principal Investigator within required timelines and;

viii. To perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

2.1.2 Qualification and experience
Holder of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Bachelor of Surgery from a recognized university, with a one-year Internship Certificate, and registered with the Medical Council of Tanganyika with a valid practising licence. The applicant must possess a Good Clinical Practice (GCP/ICH-E6 R2) certificate or be willing to obtain the certification before the commencement of the study, and must have a minimum of three (3) years of clinical or research experience in maternal, newborn, or child health. A Master’s degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.

2.1.3 Salary
A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate.

3.1.0 District Coordinators – 1 post

3.1.1 Duties and responsibilities
i. To serve as the primary operational lead for study implementation within the assigned district, covering one hub and two spoke facilities;

ii. To conduct monthly supervisory visits to all 3 facilities within the district and complete the monthly Implementation Tracker and Fidelity Checklist;

iii. To supervise, mentor, and support Research Nurses at all 3 district facilities on a day-to-day basis;

iv. To monitor Labinic Drops stock levels, conduct product integrity checks, and initiate replenishment requests to the Overall Coordinator;

v. To ensure REDCap data quality at all district facilities - review monthly data quality reports and resolve open queries with Research Nurses;

vi. To eoordinate cold-chain documentation for laboratory sample dispatch from spoke facilities to the MUHAS central laboratory;

vii. To ensure all Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) at district facilities are reported within required timelines;

viii. To maintain working relationships with Medical Officers-in-Charge at all 3 district facilities; and

ix. To perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.