Research Pharmacist - Public Health Project

Why This Role Matters

The Project Technical Support Officer plays a crucial role in supporting a community-based clinical research study focused on improving medication adherence among geriatric patients on multiple medications. Poor adherence to prescribed therapies is a major public health challenge, particularly in elderly populations managing chronic conditions. This project aims to evaluate the impact of a medical adherence mobile application and a manual pill organizer on medication adherence and clinical outcomes.
By contributing to a multi-center factorial randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving approximately 700 patients, this role directly supports evidence generation that may improve medication management strategies in elderly communities. The position ensures proper handling of investigational products, participant randomization, adherence tracking, and regulatory compliance, thereby strengthening the scientific integrity of the study.

Job Description

The Project Technical Support Officer will support the implementation of a community-based clinical study evaluating a medication adherence mobile app and manual pill organizer in geriatric patients. The study will be conducted across three centers: St. John’s Research Institute, Armed Forces Medical College, and King Edward Memorial Hospital.
The role involves investigational product management, participant randomization, documentation maintenance, field visits, and patient communication. The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to ensure smooth conduct of study activities in accordance with protocol and ethical guidelines.

Key Features of the Role:

• Participation in a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT).
• Direct interaction with geriatric patients in community settings.
• Exposure to public health and medication adherence research.
• Hands-on experience in investigational product management.
• Short-term project-based opportunity (6 months).

Responsibilities

• Undergo required training program at St. John’s Research Institute.
• Manage receipt, storage, handling, dispensing, preparation, administration, and accountability of Investigational Product (IP).
• Perform temperature monitoring of IP as required.
• Randomize participants according to study protocol.
• Dispense study IP in compliance with protocol guidelines.
• Maintain accountability logs and documentation related to IP.
• Maintain study-related logs, forms, and regulatory documentation.
• Assist in participant coordination and adherence monitoring.
• Support field visits and community-based data collection activities.
• Troubleshoot basic mobile app-related issues faced by elderly participants.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and study protocol requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy.
• Knowledge of clinical research processes and research ethics, particularly in public health and community-based studies.
• Excellent patient communication skills, especially regarding medication adherence counseling.
• Digital literacy and ability to resolve mobile app-related issues.
• Willingness to work from office and travel for field-based study activities.

Educational Requirements:

• B.Pharm or M.Pharm from a recognized institution.

Experience and Skills:

Required:

• Experience in community-based research studies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with elderly patients.
• Willingness to travel for study-related duties.
• Fluency in English and Kannada.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Tamil language.
• Experience in handling investigational products in clinical trials.
• Familiarity with documentation and accountability procedures.

Age Eligibility:

• Maximum age limit: 35 years.

Project Duration:

• 6 Months

Salary Insights

• Rs. 36,400/- per month (Consolidated).
This is a fixed-term project-based position. Compensation is aligned with institutional and project norms.

Company Overview

St. John’s Research Institute (SJRI) is a premier research institution dedicated to advancing public health and clinical research in India. The institute conducts multidisciplinary research across community health, clinical sciences, and translational medicine. SJRI collaborates with national and international partners to address critical healthcare challenges through evidence-based research and innovation.

FAQs

1. Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a 6-month project-based position.

2. Is field travel mandatory?
Yes, candidates must be willing to travel for community-based study activities.

3. Is prior clinical trial experience required?
Experience in community-based studies is required; clinical trial exposure is an added advantage.

4. What languages are required?
Fluency in English and Kannada is required. Tamil is desirable.

Application Tips

• Highlight experience in community-based or public health research.
• Mention any experience in investigational product handling or clinical trial documentation.
• Emphasize patient communication and counseling skills.
• Showcase digital literacy, especially troubleshooting mobile applications.
• Clearly mention language proficiency in your resume.