Research Data Collection Assistant – 13 Posts

Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Employment Type: Full-Time, Project-Based Contract
Contract Duration: Two (2) Years
Number of Positions: 13
Application Deadline: 12th October 2026

About 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 developed a range of programmes in biomedical, clinical and allied health sciences. The University conducts teaching, research and other academic activities across seven Schools and one academic Institute.

Job Summary

The Probiotic Study is a Hybrid Type II effectiveness-implementation research study led by MUHAS through the 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 — at 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:

1. Temeke: Temeke RRH, Mbagala Rangi Tatu DH and Yombo Vituka HC
2. Ilala: Amana RRH, Kivule DH and Buguruni HC
3. Kinondoni: Mwananyamala RRH, Mabwepande DH and 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.

District Assignments

Temeke District

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

Ilala District

• Amana RRH
• Kivule DH
• Buguruni HC

Kinondoni District

• Mwananyamala RRH
• Mabwepande DH
• Sinza HC

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Data Collection Assistant will be responsible for:

1. Identifying eligible LBW neonates with a birth weight of 1,500–2,500 g, gestational age of 34–42 weeks including term babies, and age of 3–7 days from the daily delivery register, and completing the REDCap Q1 Screening and Eligibility Log daily.
2. Approaching parents/guardians of eligible neonates, administering the full informed consent process and completing the REDCap Q2 Enrolment and Baseline Form. Antibiotic use at enrolment does not exclude a neonate.
3. Administering the first dose of Labinic Drops (0.2 ml) at the facility, training caregivers on home administration and diary completion, and supplying a 30-day course of Labinic Drops.
4. Conducting EPI-aligned follow-up visits at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 9 months and 18 months of age, recording growth measurements, PSBI screening and antibiotic use, and completing the REDCap Q4 Follow-up Visit Form.
5. Screening every enrolled neonate at every contact for PSBI signs using the WHO/UNICEF IMCI checklist and immediately triggering the PSBI Investigation Form (Q5) if any sign is identified.
6. Collecting stool and blood samples from sub-cohort neonates at Day 0, 6 weeks and 18 months, and arranging transportation to the MUHAS central laboratory.
7. Administering the ASQ-3 neurodevelopmental assessment to caregivers of sub-cohort neonates at 6, 9 and 18 months corrected age.
8. Completing all REDCap data entry accurately and in real time using the facility tablet or REDCap Mobile App, including offline data entry and automatic synchronisation.
9. Reporting any Adverse Events (AEs) or Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) to the District Coordinator immediately.
10. Attending all study-related trainings, GCP refreshers and clinical meetings.
11. Performing any other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Holder of a Diploma in one of the following fields:
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Midwifery
• The qualification must be from a recognized institution.
• Must be registered with the Medical Council of Tanganyika or the Tanzania Nursing and Midwifery Council, as applicable.
• Must possess a valid practising licence.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in clinical research, public health research or health programme coordination.
• Must possess a valid Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificate, or be willing to undergo GCP training before commencement of the study.

Salary

A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidates.

General Conditions

1. All applicants must be citizens of Tanzania and must not be above 45 years of age.
2. Applicants with special needs/disabilities are advised to indicate this for MUHAS’s attention.
3. Applicants must attach an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing a reliable postal address, postcode, email address and telephone numbers.
4. Applicants must apply based on the information provided in this advertisement.
5. The title of the position applied for must be written in the subject of the application letter and marked on the envelope.
6. Applicants must attach relevant copies of the following certificates:
   • Postgraduate, First Degree, Advanced Diploma, Diploma and other relevant certificates.
   • Postgraduate, First Degree, Advanced Diploma and Diploma transcripts.
   • Form IV and Form VI National Examination Certificates.
   • Computer Certificates, where applicable.
   • Professional Certificates from respective councils, where applicable.
   • One recent passport-size photograph.
   • Copy of birth certificate.
7. Form IV and Form VI result slips will strictly not be accepted.
8. Applicants must indicate three reputable referees together with their reliable contact details.
9. Certificates obtained from foreign countries must be verified by:
   • Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) – Degree Level;
   • National Accreditation Council for Technical Education (NACTE) – Diploma Level; or
   • National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) – Secondary Education.
10. Applicants must ensure that their colleges/universities are recognized and registered by the relevant Government Authorities.
11. Women are highly encouraged to apply.
12. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview date.
13. Applicants who have retired from public service, for whatever reason, should not apply.
14. Applicants must be able to work shifts, including weekends, where required by the facility roster.
15. Applicants should be comfortable with electronic data entry and basic tablet use.
16. Presentation of forged certificates or other false information will result in legal action.

Application Instructions

A signed application letter should be written in either Swahili or English and addressed to:

The Director of Administration and Human Resource Management
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
P.O. Box 65001
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via email to:

dhrma@muhas.ac.tz

Applicants should submit one merged PDF file containing the required application documents.

The position applied for should be clearly indicated in the subject of the application letter.

Applicants are advised to ensure that their email address and mobile telephone number are correctly written and active.

Application Deadline: 12th October 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Released by:
Vice Chancellor
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)