About the project
The Community-Pharmacies managing hypertension: intervention development and Evaluation in Bangladesh and Pakistan (COPE-BD) - is a multi-country research programme working to improve hypertension care among low-income urban populations. The project develops and evaluates an approach that connects community pharmacies with physicians to support hypertension identification, referral and follow-up.
ARK Foundation is seeking a motivated Study Physician to support clinical assessment and participant safety in the Bangladesh study team. This position offers an opportunity to gain experience in clinical research and work with a multi-country research team.
Purpose of the position
The Study Physician will confirm hypertension diagnoses among participants newly identified through study screening, review laboratory results, and monitor and report adverse events. The physician will provide clinical input to the project team and support safe implementation of study procedures in line with the approved protocol.
Reports to: Project Manager
- Diagnosis confirmation and clinical assessment
- Review blood pressure measurements, relevant medical history and clinical information for participants with newly identified elevated blood pressure.
- Confirm hypertension diagnoses and relevant clinical eligibility criteria according to the study protocol, ensuring that required repeat measurements have been completed.
- Document assessments and communicate findings to the research team.
- Identify participants requiring further assessment or urgent care and facilitate referral through the agreed clinical pathway. Routine prescribing and treatment management will remain with the designated treating physicians.
- Laboratory result review
- Review study participants’ laboratory results promptly, identify clinically significant abnormalities and document the clinical assessment.
- Communicate findings to participants and relevant treating physicians through agreed procedures, maintaining confidentiality.
- Coordinate appropriate referral and follow-up for abnormal results, with urgent escalation where needed.
- Work with the research and laboratory teams to resolve missing results or discrepancies affecting clinical interpretation.
- Participant safety and adverse event reporting
- Monitor, assess and document adverse events and serious adverse events throughout participants’ study involvement.
- Assess severity, seriousness, possible relatedness and expectedness, seeking senior clinical advice when required.
- Ensure timely notification and reporting through the study’s designated safety reporting pathway, within protocol-defined timelines.
- Facilitate appropriate clinical care or referral and follow up events until resolution or an outcome is documented.
- Maintain complete safety records and contribute to safety reviews and reports.
- Field visits and clinical support
- Conduct regular visits to participating pharmacies in Dhaka and Narsingdi.
- Support pharmacists and field staff with clinical questions concerning blood pressure measurement, recognition of warning signs, referral and participant safety.
- Contribute to training and refresher sessions on relevant clinical procedures and safety reporting.
- Identify clinical implementation issues and work with the Project Manager and clinical leads to address them.
- Team coordination and documentation
- Attend multi-country team meetings and provide clinical expertise when needed.
- Prepare concise updates on diagnosis confirmation, laboratory findings requiring follow-up, referrals and adverse events.
- Contribute clinical input to study tools, operating procedures and reports.
- Maintain accurate records, protect participant confidentiality and follow research ethics and Good Clinical Practice requirements.
- Undertake other relevant clinical research duties assigned by the Project Manager within the scope of the position.
Essential
- MBBS from a recognised medical institution, completion of the mandatory internship and valid BMDC registration.
- At least one year of post-internship clinical experience in medicine.
- Sound clinical assessment skills, including blood pressure assessment, interpretation of common laboratory investigations and recognition of conditions requiring urgent referral.
- A strong interest in learning clinical research and contributing to a multi-country study.
- Good communication skills in Bangla and English, including the ability to participate in meetings and prepare clear clinical documentation.
- Ability to work collaboratively with pharmacists, field staff, researchers and clinicians.
- Willingness to travel regularly to study sites in Dhaka and Narsingdi.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and willingness to learn electronic study data systems.
Desirable
- Master of Public Health (MPH).
- Experience in hypertension, cardiovascular disease or other noncommunicable disease care.
- Previous involvement in health research, community-based projects or clinical studies.
- Familiarity with research ethics, Good Clinical Practice and adverse event reporting.
Previous research experience is an advantage but is not essential. Candidates with the required clinical experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
- Contract duration: 6 months
- Salary and benefits: 25000-35000
Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter describing their relevant clinical experience and interest in the position to hr@arkfoundationbd.org by 15th November, using “Study Physician – COPE-BP” as the subject line.
Suite A-1, C-3 & C-4, House # 06, Road # 109,
Gulshan-2, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1212
Phone: +88 02 55069866
Email: info@arkfoundationbd.org