JOB OPENING FOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT - MSM, HIV/AIDS AND SYPHILIS

Job description – Research Assistant
1. Details
Project Name: PUSH PROJECT (PLU SEXUAL HEALTH SURVEY PENANG PROJECT)
Organisation: University of Malaya – Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), No. 9, Jalan 12/5, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Contract duration: Full-time (4 months) from 1st June to 30th September 2010
Remuneration: RM1300 monthly + EPF 12%
Assigned location for duty at one of the following location and working days/time:
(1) Family Health and Development Association (FHDA), Perak Road, Georgetown (5-day; Tues-Sat; 9am-6pm)
(2) FHDA Maycare, Seberang Jaya (5-day; Tues-Sat; 12.30pm-9.30pm)
(3) AIDS Action Research Group (AARG), University Sains Malaysia, Block C14 (5-day; Tues-Sat; 12.30pm-9.30pm)
Responsible to: Research Officer, Penang
Project Coordinator, CERiA
2. Program Overview
There remains minimal epidemiological data available on HIV/AIDS, particularly the most-at-risk population (injecting drug users “IDUs”, commercial sex workers “CSWs”, and men who have sex with men “MSM”). The CERiA under University of Malaya are undertaking the PUSH Project in Penang. The research study will involve various stakeholders and MSM community in Penang, which may require committed individual who is capable to assist in electronic survey process, to offer pre/post-test information, and to perform the HIV/Syphilis rapid tests.
3. Duties of the Full-time Research Assistant
 Implement project at the site according to the protocol
 Manage the work with one other research assistant
 Ensure netbook is operating well and kept safely after use
 Promote a non-threatening environment for participants
 Explain project to participant and obtain written informed consent
 Offer pre/post-test information and IEC materials
 Collect blood sample for rapid tests, disclose results, and offer referral to treatment
 Ensure appropriate labelling of test kits
 Handle cash reimbursement to participants
 Ensure the supplies at site are well-maintained at all time
 Backup the data collection
 Participate in the weekly progress discussion
 Assist in the promotion of project from time to time to achieve target number and population
4. Professional/personal requirements
Essential
 Able to communicate in at least two languages, Bahasa Malaysia, English or Chinese
 Ability to function both independently and as a team
 Ability to follow guidelines or instruction given
 Ability and flexibility to understand the sensitive nature of working with MSMs and HIV prevention
 Ability to use computer, internet and Microsoft Excel
Desirable
 Good sense of humour
 Knowledge of HIV/AIDS
5. Learning expectations
Training (will be provided in June)
Research protocol
Operating a netbook
Providing pre/post-test information
Performing rapid test
5. Apply for this job now!
Interested candidate kindly email your resume to Clarence Sim at arqsim@yahoo.com before 14th May 2010.