ThaiNGO

Job Vacancy Announcement

Research Physician, C-FREE Study

Work location: Bangkok, with travel required to C-FREE study sites.

Application deadline: 31^st October 2024.

Job starts: As soon as possible after the candidate selection.

Background:

Dreamlopments (DLP) is a Thailand-based foundation working on aid and development for underserved communities. DLP is running a large project/study of community-based testing and treatment of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) for people who use/inject drugs (PWID) and other risk groups in Thailand. The C-FREE study is being conducted by a large consortium of Thai NGOS, research institutes, academic experts, government officials and international partners. The project design includes a cohort study, and an HCV treatment study for participants with chronic hepatitis C. It currently takes place in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Tak, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai and Pattani. The research sites currently include 9 “drop-in-centers” (DIC) run by local NGOs, and 2 run by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Partner hospitals participate in the study implementation. C-FREE was initiated in May 2019, and transitioned to a continuation protocol titled C-FREE-CSEA, in March 2023. DLP is now planning an extension to a new site in Nakhon Si Thammarat province in collaboration with 1 NGO partner (Thai Drug User Network), and to further strengthen the articulation of C-FREE with the national treatment program. 

Job overview:

We are looking for a Research Physician, to oversee the implementation and continued development of the C-FREE study with all stakeholders and study participants. The Research Physician is under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the Head of Programs (HoP), and works closely with the Protocol Chair, Study Coordinators (SC) and study teams.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Assist in all aspects of C-Free implementation and expansion.
• Conduct site visits to support study sites and study teams. 
• Train, coach and support, on site and remotely, C-Free nurses and affiliated staff on medical management of HIV and viral hepatitis. 
• Serve as one of the study physicians conducting study clinics at selected sites.
• Conduct occasional online consultations of some participants as may be necessary, and offer clinical guidance to study physicians, as needed.
• Ensure that the C-FREE study enrollment and procedures are conducted in accordance with the stipulations of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), the study protocol and study Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assist in implementation of corrective actions identified during monitoring visits.
• Help coordinate data cleaning that may be needed, in collaboration with the data management and analysis center.
• Maintain close communication with the study Investigators on all aspects of the study.
• Meet with external stakeholders and partners, including hospitals and community-based organizations, on behalf of C-Free Study.
• Maintain existing partnerships and assist in building new partnerships.
• Lead the preparation and follow up of safety reports, protocol deviation reports.
• Support the preparation of reports to ethics committees and the Thai FDA.
• Assist in preparation of reports to donors and other partners, under the direction of the HoP and PI.
• Participate in and lead development of presentations on the study for conferences/meetings, as well as publications.
• Lead development of amendments of the C-FREE study protocol, informed consents, and case report forms.
• Explore and develop new research ideas, research proposals, research collaborations, on other priority health issues.
• Other assignments as requested by the lead Principal Investigator and Head of Programs.

Qualifications required:

Education:

• Medical degree (MD).
• Current Thai license as a physician required.

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of five (5) years of clinical practice.
• Experience in treating patients with HIV and/or viral hepatitis a strong plus.
• Experience in clinical research a strong plus.
• Experience in protocol development and publications a strong plus.
• Experience working with/for non-government organizations programs and serving people who use drugs, a plus.

Skills and competencies: 

• Positive attitude towards people who use drugs and other C-FREE at-risk study populations. 
• A good understanding of, and interest in clinical research.
• Interest in the C-FREE study objectives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work effectively as a member of an international, multi-disciplinary team.
• Proven organizational and time management skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to use standard office equipment and software, including MS Office.
• Ability to travel within Thailand, including to provincial sites in Songkhla, Narathiwat, and others.
• Fluent speaking /reading / writing English and Thai required.
• Thai Nationality.

Working Environment: 

The position is based in DLP Bangkok office. Frequent travel to/presence in the study sites in Thailand is required.

How to Apply: A cover letter and most recent CV in English should be submitted to: jobs@dreamlopments.com

Dreamlopments is an equal opportunity employer.