Deputy Head of WAP (WRAIR AFRIMS Phillipines)

Culmen International, LLC is seeking a Deputy Head to support the WRAIR AFRIMS mission Manila, Philippines. 

This position will serve as on-site lead for Culmen staff at WAP Manila, overseeing the day-to-day contract operations of the Manila office and laboratory, and acts for the Head of WAP on Culmen-managed matters when required.

This a 1099/Independent Contractor Position. 

• Serves as on-site lead for Culmen staff at WAP Manila, overseeing the day-to-day contract operations of the Manila office and laboratory, and acts for the Head of WAP on Culmen-managed matters when required.
• Directly supervises all Culmen staff at WAP Manila, including assigning tasks, setting priorities, and monitoring work performance.
• Leads the recruitment of Culmen staff for WAP Manila, recommends selections to Culmen, conducts performance evaluations, and provides coaching and mentoring.
• Identifies staff training needs and monitors completion of required trainings and training records.
• Manages staff attendance, leave, and other human resources concerns, escalating issues to the Head of WAP and Culmen as needed.
• Coordinates with the Head of WAP in Cebu and AFRIMS department points of contact to align Culmen support at WAP Manila with study requirements, within the scope of the contract.

• Serves as local principal investigator or co-investigator for AFRIMS research studies when designated by AFRIMS, and participates in their planning and execution.
• Oversees, and directly conducts when necessary, study procedures and the preparation of study source documents.
• Oversees the quality of study data, including review of Case Report Forms (CRFs) and electronic CRFs for discrepancies and accurate data entry to support statistical analysis, data sharing, and publication.

• Maintains the site regulatory documents and prepares study files for inspections and audits.
• Ensures that studies are conducted in accordance with approved protocols, institutional regulatory requirements, SOP, SSPs, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, sponsor guidelines and other regulatory requirements as applicable.
• Leads the drafting of site Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Study Specific Procedures (SSPs) for AFRIMS review and approval, to standardize the approach to the conduct of the study by collaborative study personnel;
• Comply with quality assurance/quality control guidance from the relevant AFRIMS department’s Quality Control Unit and authorized internal/external auditors.

• Serves as the site point of contact with local collaborators, sponsors, auditors, and ethics review committees within delegated authority, identifying as Culmen contractor staff and making no commitments on behalf of AFRIMS.
• Prepares periodic study reports and presentations as required under the contract and requested by AFRIMS study leads.

• Coordinates IT support for WAP Manila research projects and staff with AFRIMS IT, in line with AFRIMS IT policies.

• Supervises the procurement, acquisition, shipment, and distribution of supplies and equipment for WAP Manila, carried out by the logistician/administrator under Culmen procurement procedures and the contract:
  • Assists in reviewing procurement requests and quotations for completeness and pricing, for approval by the AFRIMS study lead and Culmen.
  • Assists in obtaining competitive quotations for bulk or high-priced items under Culmen procurement procedures
  • Reviews inventory reports to ensure adequate stock of office and laboratory supplies

• Per AFRIMS request, serves as Occupational Health and Safety Officer for WAP Manila, carrying out OHS programs for Culmen staff and coordinating with AFRIMS safety personnel.

• Adheres to all AFRIMS and Culmen policies.
• Performs other duties within the scope of the contract, as assigned by Culmen or the Head of WAP.

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) from a recognized institution, with a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license.

• 5+ years of experience in clinical or public health research, preferably in an international, military, or US Government-funded medical research program.
• Experience as principal investigator or co-investigator on human subjects research, including preparing IRB submissions for initial review, continuing review, and amendments.
• Experience working in or overseeing a research laboratory; BSL-2 experience is an advantage.

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training, or willingness to complete it upon hiring.
• Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) training, or willingness to complete it to serve as Safety Officer.
• Biosafety training is an advantage.

• Familiarity with GCP and research ethics requirements.
• Experience supervising staff; exposure to budgeting or procurement is an advantage.
• Proficient in MS Office and basic data management.
• Good leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and spoken English and Filipino;.
• Willingness to travel within Philippines and overseas as needed.

Culmen International is committed to enhancing international safety and security, strengthening homeland defense, advancing humanitarian missions, and optimizing government operations. With experience in over 150 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.

To learn more about Culmen International, please visit www.culmen.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.