Research Project Co-ordinator
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Place of work: Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Hours of work: ideally full-time, part-time negotiable

Duration of contract: This is an appointment for two years, with possible prolongation. The contract will be subject to a six month probationary period. 

Salary range and grade: 70.000 to 110,000 CHF, depending on qualifications and experience

Responsible to: Professor Matthias Egger, Head of ISPM


Job summary

The post holder will co-ordinate international scientific collaborations whose objective is to examine the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the prognosis of patients with HIV/AIDS in settings with limited resources, and to compare treatment outcomes between different healthcare settings, delivery modes, and types of monitoring. Key partners include Prof. François Dabis (University of Bordeaux), Dr. Andrew Boulle (University of Cape Town) and Prof. Mauro Schechter (University of Rio de Janeiro). The successful applicant will be responsible for the general management and coordination of the project. Specific tasks include the following:

* Provide leadership in project co-ordination and management;
* Supervise project administration, including account keeping and financial reporting; 
* Liaise with staff at the collaborating centres and clinics, through written and oral communication in English and French, and site visits; 
* Organise meetings for members of the collaboration, including the steering committee and advisory committee;
* Provide or organise training and capacity-building for collaborating centres; 
* Contribute to the elaboration and management of the collaborative database and administrative databases and tools;
* Ensure that agreed project deadlines are met;
* Anticipate problems with data collection and other operational aspects of the projects and take timely action to resolve them;
* Undertake descriptive statistical analyses of the data, as well as basic survival analyses;
* Provide support for the publication and dissemination of results in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences; 
* Prepare regular reports for collaborators and funding agencies.


Person specification

Essential
* Postgraduate qualification in public health, epidemiology or other relevant discipline;
* Practical experience of managing large multi-centre projects, preferably in a research context;
* Fluent in English and good working knowledge of another relevant language, preferably French;
* Prepared to travel abroad frequently to destinations in developing countries;
* Excellent (intercultural) communication skills, in writing, on the telephone and face to face;
* Excellent organisational skills;
* Ability to work as member of a team, supervise staff, organise own time and work to planned deadlines;
* Careful and systematic approach to administrative tasks.

Desirable
* Research experience, preferably in international health or HIV/Aids;
* Good working knowledge of database and statistical software programmes;
* Willingness to develop writing and presentation skills and other skills, as required.

Opportunities
* Experience of co-ordinating a large international study, in an area that is highly topical in international health;
* Working in an established research department with a strong record in epidemiological research; 
* Developing writing, data analysis and statistical skills;
* Travel. 

Confidentiality and Data Protection
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that all information relating to research
participants and staff is treated as strictly confidential at all times, and for adhering to Data
Protection guidance as prescribed by Swiss law and institutional guidance.

Management structure
The person appointed to this post will be employed by the University of Bern. The post holder will work in the Division of International and Environmental Health of the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine as part of the investigating study team of epidemiologists and statisticians. He or she will be supported by a part-time administrator. Responsibilities and time management will be by agreement with Professor Matthias Egger. The post holder will be responsible to Professor Egger for performance.

The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine 
The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of the University of Bern provides under-graduate and post-graduate education and carries out research in a range of disciplines relevant to public health. The Institute employs some 80 staff in three divisions: International and Environmental Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Social and Behavioural Health Research. Research groups cut across divisions, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to research, with staff appointments representing public health, epidemiology, sociology, health psychology, anthropology, general practice and statistics. The institute houses research groups working in the areas of International Health, Child & Adolescent Health, Clinical Epidemiology & Evidence Synthesis, Environmental Health, Healthy Ageing, Infectious Diseases, Musculoskeletal Health, Qualitative Methods, Sexual & Reproductive Health, and Social Environment and Health. 

ISPM offers a lively, supportive environment with excellent computing and library facilities. The offices are located near the University Hospital, other University departments and in short walking distance of the main train station. With its mediaeval architecture, the Swiss capital city Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers excellent quality of life in the proximity of the alps. See also www.ispm.ch. 

Appointment: November 1, 2006 or earlier. There is a six month probationary period subject to satisfactory performance.

Salary: in the range of 70,000 to 110,000 CHF, depending on qualifications and experience

Annual leave: 28 days plus university closure days

Pension: Eligible to join the Cantonal Pension Scheme. 

How to apply and closing date

Further information on this position is available from Professor Matthias Egger (+41 31 631 3501, [log in to unmask]). Applicants are requested to send their CV, publication list and list of references to Gian Töny, Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Berne, Finkenhubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland. Closing date for applications is Friday, September 29, 2006.