Job Reference: ITS001/CRENC-IeDEA/05-2025
Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Application closing date: 15th September 2025
Start date: As soon as possible
Terms: Full Time
Salary: Competitive
About CRENC-IeDEA
Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy (CRENC) is a leading Cameroon-based research organization dedicated to medical and public health research excellence through innovation and collaboration. CRENC implements impactful projects including the Central Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) and its sub-studies. Learn more at www.crenc.org and www.ca-iedea.org.
Purpose of Job
The Information Technology Specialist will oversee and support all IT services required for efficient research operations at CRENC. This includes managing secure server systems, REDCap installations, field data collection using tablets, institutional email systems, web platforms, and internet services across multiple study sites. The ideal candidate will be proactive, research-oriented, and enthusiastic about data science, bioinformatics, or digital health innovation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
i. Network, Server, and Systems Administration
- Install, configure, and manage LAN/WAN across central and site offices.
- Administer and monitor Windows/Linux servers used for project data, backups, and REDCap services.
- Ensure uptime and performance of network infrastructure, VPNs, and firewalls.
- Secure remote access and system monitoring tools (e.g., RDP, SSH, TeamViewer).
ii. REDCap and Field Data Systems
- Set up and maintain REDCap platforms for clinical and survey data collection.
- Configure and troubleshoot tablets and mobile data collection apps.
- Ensure data syncing protocols between tablets and secure central/cloud servers.
- Train site staff in using REDCap, offline capture tools (e.g., ODK, Kobo), and file transfer methods.
iii. Email and User Account Management
- Administer organisational email systems (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace): create and manage user accounts, set permissions, and enforce security policies.
- Configure and troubleshoot email clients across devices, ensuring secure practices such as multi-factor authentication and phishing protection.
- Set up and maintain distribution lists, shared calendars, shared drives, and document collaboration tools.
- Support and manage online services including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other collaboration platforms used across projects.
- Ensure consistent backups, compliance with data policies, and troubleshoot mail delivery issues.
iv. Website and Application Support
- Maintain and update institutional websites, ensuring security best practices are followed, especially for platforms like WordPress. This includes regular updates, plugin vetting, implementing firewalls and backups, and monitoring for vulnerabilities.
- Deploy and secure web plugins, troubleshoot website issues, and liaise with hosting providers.
- Support internal apps and dashboards used in research projects.
v. IT Helpdesk, Documentation, and Security
- Act as the first-line IT support for all staff at central and field levels.
- Implement and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for backups, data security, and troubleshooting.
- Maintain endpoint protection and antivirus across all workstations.
vi. Research IT, Bioinformatics, and Data Science Support
- Actively engage in research initiatives involving IT, data science, and bioinformatics, including contributions to study design, analysis, and manuscript writing.
- Write and publish peer-reviewed articles on topics intersecting technology, health research, and digital innovation.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on machine learning, data visualization, and computational projects.
- Install, manage, and document research computing environments (e.g., RStudio Server, JupyterHub, Python/R pipelines).
- Contribute to internal capacity-building through training, co-supervision, and knowledge-sharing on emerging tools in research IT and digital health.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Informatics, or Data Science with at least 2 years of relevant experience (or Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least 5 years of experience).
- Proven experience in server, network, and systems administration.
- Familiarity with REDCap, mobile data collection tools, and user access control.
- Strong understanding of institutional email management and IT security best practices.
- Fluency in English and French.
Desirable:
- Prior experience supporting health research projects or NGOs.
- Interest or exposure to data science, research computing, or bioinformatics.
- Experience with cloud platforms and web content management systems (WordPress).
Key Competencies
- Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills
- Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
- Ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical users
- Team player with excellent interpersonal skills
- Comfortable working under pressure in a multi-site environment
CRENC Considerations
CRENC shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its head office and projects sites. CRENC is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee Policy
CRENC does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, etc.) and does not request bank account details during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Please submit your application through this link: https://forms.gle/ToZCVWs7DvjpKrzm8
Your submission should include:
- A CV (maximum 3 pages)
- A motivation letter (uploaded or included in the form)
File naming format:
FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf
FirstName_LastName_MotivationLetter.pdf
Deadline: 15th September 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
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