Research Assistant – Sonographer (Imama, Smartsweep)

Department

Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Kilifi, Kenya

Introduction

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) was established in 2012 as a research unit within the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Aga Khan University (AKU) with Prof Zulfiqar A Bhutta as the Founding Director. In 2015, Prof Marleen Temmerman was welcomed as the East Africa (EA) Director of the Centre to build capacity across East Africa. CoEWCH EA conducts research, knowledge translation, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and rights to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents. With a focus on establishing high quality education, multidisciplinary research, and trainings in women, child, and adolescent health, the Centre contributes to health systems strengthening and quality of care, particularly in remote groups and vulnerable populations

AKU’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) was established in 2012. It conducts research, knowledge translation, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and rights to improve the health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents. With a focus on establishing high quality education, multidisciplinary research, and trainings in women, child, and adolescent health, the Centre contributes to health systems strengthening and quality of care, particularly in remote groups and vulnerable populations.

This position is required to contribute to perform obstetric ultrasound procedures for research participants for the research study, ‘iMAMA/Smartsweep,” in collaboration with Philips, funded by the Bill Gates Foundation (BGF); whose primary objective is to assess the performance of Philips SmartSweep AI algorithms compared to Philips LumifyTM Diagnostic Ultrasound System for identified antenatal parameters. He/she will also perform research roles including screening and recruitment of study participants, clinical and non-clinical data collection and reporting.

The study sonographer will be required to comply with the stipulated guidelines on all study activities. He / She will be required to comply with stipulated guidelines on all study activities and to be sensitive and considerate throughout the encounter with participants, their families and other health facility staff.

The position is based in Kilifi County and Referral Hospital. The role may require shift work including weekends and public holidays. The sonographer is to have and maintain active practice licenses in Kenya and may be required to contribute to clinical care at the respective health care facilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform obstetric ultrasound procedures for research participants with the aim of identifying antenatal parameters

• Clinical and non-clinical data collection for study participants

• Conduct all study activities in adherence to provided guidelines and protocols and with utmost confidentiality and ethical practice

• Attend training sessions and obtain relevant competency in data collection, informed consent and other technical skills essential for delivery of his/her role.

• Contribute to screening and recruitment of study participants Adequately handle and store study equipment and perform basic maintenance procedures

• Manage supplies related to obstetric ultrasound provision to ensure service continuity

• Any other responsibility as allocated by the study PI or her designate

Requirements

• Have a Diploma in Medical Imaging Sciences or Diagnostic Radiography from a recognized institution and a Higher Diploma in Sonography

• S/he must be registered by the Kenya radiation protection board and must have a valid license.

• Other clinically qualified applicants with demonstrable competence in providing obstetric ultrasound will be considered.

• Basic Computer literacy and training in Microsoft Office Suite

Relevant Experience

• Competent at providing Obstetric ultrasound services including pregnancy dating at various gestations

• Good written and verbal skills in English and Kiswahili

• At least 1 year’s clinical experience in providing obstetric ultrasound at a busy health facility

• Experience working at public health care facilities

• Experience in research activities at health referral or Primary health Care level facility

Personal Characteristics & Behaviours

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Keen listening ability

• Attentive to detail and quality.

• Ability to work independently/with minimum supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules.

• Able to maintain confidentiality

• Courteous and respectful