AFRO-NETS> Training Programme on Clinical Research & Development

[Dieter Neuvians MD <neuvians@harare.iafrica.com>]

Training Programme on Clinical Research & Development
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Source: tdr-scientists@who.ch

UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in 
Tropical Diseases (TDR) and SmithKline Beecham Biologicals (SB Bio)


The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases 
(TDR) and SmithKline Beecham Biologicals (SB Bio) invite African na-
tionals from malaria endemic countries, working in the developing coun-
tries to apply for a 12-month training programme on Clinical Research & 
Development. The training involves attendance to Good Clinical Practice 
(GCP) workshops, vaccinology seminars, clinical study management work-
ing groups and on the job practice in clinical study management and 
clinical development of vaccines. The trainee will be involved primar-
ily in all aspects of clinical development of candidate malaria vac-
cines.

SUMMARY OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME

1. Clinical Study Management at SB Bio (Rixensart, Belgium) 

   Within the context of the Clinical R&D team, the trainee will be
   involved in activities related to:

- Study preparation: study design, specific protocol summary
  (SPS)/protocols, case report form and logistics
- Conduct of centrally monitored studies: pre-study contacts, study
  initiation, monitoring
- Study reporting: data validation, study report
- Administration and documents: filing, tracking, financial agreement
- Contacts, co-ordination, representation: clinical operations group,
  clinical R&D, other SB Bio departments, international SB departments,
  investigators, auditing
- Propose and implement the Clinical Development Plan
- Manage budget, resources needed and timing
- Knowledge development: literature review, attendance at scientific
  meetings, clinical trial methodology, FDA/ICH requirements, new
  technologies
  
2. Product Research and Development at WHO/TDR (Geneva, Switzerland)

During a final period of one month the trainee will familiarise 
her/himself with technical and administrative processes of soliciting, 
reviewing and funding R&D proposals, with emphasis on clinical research 
and development. The trainee will follow closely the activities of the 
clinical co-ordinator of the Product Research and Development Unit and 
staff of the Research Capability Strengthening Unit. The training will 
involve the overview and follow-up of activities related to TDR drug 
and vaccine development.

ELIGIBILITY

Applications are requested from African nationals from a malaria
endemic country working or involved in the Ministries of Health,
academic or research institutions and from those just finishing
post-graduate programmes abroad.  Preference will  be given to candi-
dates under 35 year old, holding an advanced degree in the field of
natural sciences (MSc/PhD). Computer skills (MS Word, Excel) are
required. In addition, a MD degree would be an asset. English and
French mother language candidates are eligible, but working knowledge 
of English is required.

APPLICATION

The following documents should be sent to the address given below (no 
application forms are required).

1. Full name in capital letters with the family name underlined.
2. Date of birth and nationality (please include photocopy of
   information page of passport or other identification document).
3. One recent passport sized photograph.   
4. Name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address
   of institution where the applicant is employed.
5. Educational qualifications, including place of study, date of
   conclusion and grade obtained (transcripts and photocopies of
   qualifications are not required but may be requested  later).
6. A brief  description  of the applicant's current post and of the
   post held immediately before (1 page).
7. A description  of the applicant's current work/research
   interests (1 page maximum).
8. A list of the applicant's publications and other abstracts or
   presentations.
9. A letter of recommendation from two senior scientists/professors
   that includes their address, telephone numbers, fax numbers and
   e-mail addresses. (Please include these with the application).
10.An endorsement from the Director of the applicant's home
   institution testifying to the ability of the applicant to
   undertake successfully the training proposed and certifying that
   the applicant, if selected, will be granted a leave of absence.
   The Director should also indicate how the proposed training will
   strengthen the institution capability to conduct clinical
   research upon the return of the trainee.

Applicants from countries requiring national endorsement should submit
their applications through proper government channels. A copy of all
applications should be sent to the WHO Representative's Office in their
home country for information purposes.

All applications must be received by 30 July 1999 at the following ad-
dress:

Dr. Fabio Zicker
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
World Health Organization
CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Tel: +41-22-791-3805
Fax: +41-22-791-4854
mailto:zickerf@who.ch

Additional information can be obtained from:
Dr. Nadia G. Tornieporth
Senior Manager
Clinical Development
SmithKline Beecham Biologicals
89, rue de I'Institut
B-1330 Rixensart, Belgium
Tel: +32-2-656-8974
Fax: +32-2-656-9132
mailto:Nadia.Tornieporth@sbbio.be

Applicants will be informed of the outcome in August 1999
Training activities are scheduled to initiate in January 2000.

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