About the organization
Created by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in 1986, Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, training and medical research activities in support of MSF’s humanitarian objectives. We have three research centers in France, Niger and Uganda, as well as epidemiologists in the field.
Our areas of expertise cover infectious diseases (malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, Ebola, Lassa fever, etc.), neglected diseases (leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, etc.) and chronic diseases on the rise in African countries, such as diabetes and cancer.
About the BRAVO study
The current Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak poses a significant risk to frontline workers (FLWs) in the absence of any licensed or readily available vaccine specific to Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV). While vaccines targeting BDBV are under development, they are unlikely to be available for widespread deployment in the near future.
In contrast, non-BDBV-specific filovirus vaccines, notably rVSV-ZEBOV (ERVEBO®), are immediately available, have well-documented safety profiles and show biologically plausible but unproven cross-protection against VBD, with early signs of protection against death in the current epidemic.
MSF is conducting BRAVO, a structured prospective evaluation integrated into the epidemic response, which supports both the immediate deployment of ERVEBO to frontline workers and creates the infrastructure for the phased rollout and evaluation of other vaccines or immunization strategies. The sites involved are Ebola Treatment Centers (ETCs), health facilities, and community-based epidemic response settings in areas affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the DRC.
The BRAVO Site Investigator will be based in the DRC, in Ituri or North Kivu (to be determined), and will work closely with the MSF and Epicentre teams, as well as with the Epicentre Senior Investigator.
Your main responsibilities
Under the hierarchical supervision of the Epicentre Research Director or their delegate, and under the functional supervision of the Project Medical Referent (PMR) of the relevant MSF Operational Centre, as well as the Principal Investigator, the BRAVO site investigator will be required to:
- Recruit, train and coordinate a study team composed of clinicians, nurses, data monitors, health promoters, data managers, data entry clerks, logistics/HR staff and support staff.
- Ensure compliance with the protocol across all study sites.
- Supervise the implementation of study procedures and the quality of data collection, in collaboration with the data management and monitoring team.
- Organize and deliver training to clinical and support staff on consent procedures, protocol-specific procedures and safety practices related to the management of Ebola virus diseases.
- Ensure that source documents, case report forms (CRFs) and other data collection tools are completed accurately and on time.
- Supervise the documentation and follow-up of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs).
- Keep the site investigator file (Investigator Site File – ISF) up to date.
- Supporting MSF project teams in developing and implementing retention strategies aimed at limiting follow-up losses.
- Prepare routine and ad hoc reports in accordance with study and sponsor requirements.
- Prepare and facilitate site monitoring visits conducted by the study’s supervisory bodies.
- To be the focal point of the study within MSF and to provide regular updates on the progress of the study to Epicentre, PMR, MSF medical coordination and the coordinator of the Ministry of Health, as needed.
- Liaise with representatives from hospitals, the Ministry of Health and other study partners as needed.
- Contribute to technical documentation, training tools and reference materials for healthcare staff and the study team.
- To resolve issues related to human resources, equipment or logistics at the site level, particularly in connection with Epicentre, MSF and local authorities.
- Coordinate the activities for closing the project and disseminating the results.
- To uphold the ethical principles of Epicentre and MSF, particularly regarding the respectful conduct of research among vulnerable populations.
- Perform any other tasks required by the project and mission, in accordance with the supervisors.
Your profile
Formation
- Medical degree (MD or equivalent) or nursing degree. Specialization in infectious diseases is an asset.
- A degree in public health, epidemiology, or clinical research is required.
- Solid understanding of Good Clinical Practices (GCP).
Professional experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in the implementation and coordination of clinical or epidemiological research projects in a context of limited resources, including at least one interventional study conducted as Principal Investigator or Principal Coordinator.
- Experience in the context of viral hemorrhagic fevers is a major asset.
- Research experience in the DRC, combined with a good understanding of the country’s health, regulatory and operational context, is a major asset.
- Experience in vaccination campaigns is an asset.
- Previous work experience with MSF is an asset.
Technical and interpersonal skills
- Excellent command of research project and team management.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, record-keeping, and oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to complex and changing environments and to meet demanding deadlines.
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership, strong interpersonal skills, team spirit and diplomacy.
- Ability to contribute beyond one’s area of ​​expertise when necessary.
- Sense of responsibility and rigor.
LANGUAGES
- Fluent French essential (minimum C1 level).
- Fluent professional and scientific English (spoken and written, minimum level B2) is essential.
What we offer
- Working within a multicultural team, at the intersection of research and humanitarian medicine.
- Participate in MSF’s operational research agenda within the framework of a high priority medical emergency.
- Join a committed organization, driven by a mission of public interest, with a collaborative and caring culture.
Contract and conditions
- Contract type:Â Local contract under Congolese law, fixed-term contract of 6 months with the possibility of extension up to 12 months.
- Location:Â Eastern DRC (Ituri or North Kivu, to be determined).
- Start date:Â As soon as possible.
- Salary:Â Level 12 of the MSF field salary scale.
How to apply
How to apply
Please submit your application ( CV and cover letter ) no later than August 23, 2026 via this link .
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We value diversity and strive to provide an inclusive and accessible work environment. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of their ethnic, national or cultural background, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, disability, or any other aspect of their identity.
Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.
Epicentre is committed to protecting the personal data of its members, employees, and prospective members. The data collected during this application process will be strictly limited to those involved in the recruitment process, regardless of the location of the Epicentre branch to which they belong, ensuring fair and high-quality processing.