Research Scientist I – Clinical Development

About the role

The International Vaccine Institute is looking for a Research Scientist I to join its Clinical Development Department in Kigali for a renewable two‑year contract. The role involves coordinating, initiating and completing clinical research projects while ensuring compliance with GCP guidelines and protection of human subjects.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and supervise vaccine clinical trials, including protocol development and submissions to IRBs and national regulatory authorities.
• Develop and maintain external networks, identify partner institutions and negotiate contracts in line with international and local standards.
• Support the creation and maintenance of clinical infrastructure, including archiving of research agreements, SOPs and other project documents.
• Publish scientific papers and present findings at conferences to disseminate results to the international community.
• Contribute to new research proposals, funding applications and budget development in collaboration with project management teams.

Required profile

• Medical Doctorate (or equivalent) with at least 8 years of clinical research experience, including 3 years in vaccine trials.
• Demonstrated record of publishing a minimum of five peer‑reviewed journal articles.
• Strong planning, organization and communication skills, with a commitment to continuous learning.

Required skills

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) knowledge and experience.
• Statistics, epidemiology and study design expertise.
• Clinical trial design and implementation, preferably with vaccines.
• Manuscript preparation for peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience working in developing‑country settings.