Clinical Research Assistant-Equitable Oncology Study

GRACE WAVINYA

Research Assistant Clinical & Implementation Research

Nairobi, Kenya +254********* **************@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/grace-wavinya-631710193

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Research Assistant with three years of experience in clinical and public health research across hospital-based studies in Kenya. Skilled in participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, informed consent, and follow-up and retention, with hands-on experience administering structured data collection using REDCap and ODK. Certified in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), with a strong record of data accuracy, confidentiality and adherence to study protocols and ethical standards. Experienced in preparing recruitment and progress reports and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams across multi-site studies. Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in fast-paced research and hospital environments.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Participant Engagement: Participant Recruitment, Screening & Enrollment, Informed Consent, Participant Follow-up & Retention, Participant-Centred Communication

Data Collection & Management: Quantitative Data Collection, Structured Questionnaires & Electronic Surveys, REDCap, ODK, Data Entry, Validation & Quality Checks, Data Confidentiality & Secure Handling

Compliance & Ethics: Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Research Ethics, SOP Compliance, Study Protocol Adherence

Reporting & Administration: Weekly & Monthly Progress Reporting, Recruitment & Consent Documentation, Record Keeping, Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint

Languages: English and Kiswahili

WORK EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant Aug 2024 - Jan 2025

University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Nairobi, Kenya

Project: Hospital-based surveillance platform for multiple pathogens and disease markers among decedents, ascertaining the probable cause of death (proof of concept)

•Supported implementation of study protocols in accordance with ethical, regulatory and GCP requirements.

•Conducted participant screening and obtained informed consent, ensuring participants understood study procedures.

•Collected study data and maintained accurate recruitment and participant records to ensure data quality and integrity.

•Performed data quality checks and responded to documentation queries, maintaining confidentiality of participant information throughout.

•Prepared routine reports and provided study updates to the Study Coordinator.

•Worked collaboratively with hospital staff to support smooth study implementation.

Research Assistant Jul 2022 - Jul 2024

University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Global Programs for Research and Training Nairobi, Kenya

Project: Hospital-based sentinel surveillance of HIV-associated mortality in Kenya (Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Mombasa and Nyandarua Counties)

•Screened and enrolled eligible participants in accordance with approved study protocols, ethical guidelines and informed consent procedures.

•Supported participant follow-up and retention, maintaining regular communication and accurate study documentation across multiple study sites.

•Collected, entered, validated and managed quantitative research data from multiple study sites across seven counties, ensuring completeness and accuracy.

•Performed routine data quality checks and resolved data queries to maintain data integrity.

•Maintained study records and laboratory documentation in compliance with SOPs.

•Prepared weekly and routine progress reports for study coordinators on recruitment, retention and data collection activities.

•Collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams to support implementation of infectious disease research activities.

Laboratory Technologist Aug 2021 - Dec 2021

St Joseph Shelter of Hope Mission Hospital Taita Taveta, Kenya

•Performed laboratory tests in microbiology, chemistry, haematology and biochemistry, ensuring accurate analysis and reporting of results.

•Conducted specimen collection, handling and preparation for analysis in a hospital setting.

•Ensured compliance with laboratory quality standards and safety procedures.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Sep 2016 - Dec 2020

South Eastern Kenya University Kitui, Kenya

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Jan 2011 - Dec 2014

Matungulu Girls' High School Machakos, Kenya

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

•Good Clinical Practice (GCP) - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

•Introduction to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) - The Global Health Network

•Essential Elements of Ethics - The Global Health Network

•Introduction to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) - Humanitarian Leadership Academy

REFEREES

Emmanuel Odhiambo

Project Coordinator, UCSF - Global Programs for Research and Training, Nairobi

Phone: +254*********

Email: ********.********@****************.***

Jacqulinea Kombo

Project Coordinator, University of Nairobi Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), Nairobi

Phone: +254*********

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