Institute Overview

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading research organization in Africa with a strong track record in developing, testing and validating innovations for health. Driven by a core strategic mandate for research, training and services, the Institute’s work now spans a wide spectrum, covering biomedical and ecological sciences, intervention studies, health-systems research, service delivery and policy translation.

IHI, in collaboration with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is implementing the National Micronutrient Biomarker Surveillance (NMBiS) initiative. As part of this initiative, a nationwide mapping study is being conducted to assess the availability, quality, and suitability of remnant biological samples stored in health facilities, research laboratories, and biobanks for future micronutrient surveillance.

Position Summary

Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a qualified Medical Attendant (s) who will be under NMBiS Project to support the implementation of the Remnant Sample Mapping Study. Medical Attendat will be responsible for conducting facility assessments, administering structured questionnaires, supporting key informant interviews, documenting laboratory and storage infrastructure, and collecting high-quality data using electronic data capture systems and transcribing the filed interviews to transcripts. Successful candidates will work closely with project technical team, laboratory personnel, facility managers, and research teams to gather information on biological sampleinventories, storage conditions, metadata availability, and sample management practices.

• Conduct data collection activities according to approved study protocols and SOPs.
• Administer structured questionnaires using Open Data Kit (ODK) on tablets.
• Conduct qualitative interviews with laboratory managers, facility heads, biobank coordinators, and other key informants.
• Verify and document sample storage infrastructure, including freezers, refrigerators, and laboratory facilities.
• Record sample inventory information, storage conditions, and metadata availability.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and consistency of collected data.
• Transcribe the interviews to transcripts ready for analysis.
• Upload data daily and address quality queries from supervisors.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical research standards.
• Participate in study training, pilot testing, and debriefing sessions.
• Prepare field activity reports and submit them to supervisors timely.
• Perform any other project-related duties assigned by the study team.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct interviews professionally and respectfully.
• Good understanding of research ethics and confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail and data quality.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively within assigned regions.
• Ability to work under tight timelines and meet project targets.
• Commitment to IHI core values Integrity, Initiative, Equity, Excellence, and Accountability.

• Higher education than secondary education, specifically in medical laboratory sciences, biomedical sciences, clinical medicine and or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of advanced level secondary education with experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection