Training Objectives
The practicum is tailored to trainees’ learning goals and is conducted under the guidance of an experienced content supervisor.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Integrate and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical research setting with greater confidence and competence as clinical research professionals.
• Develop skills essential for functioning as effective members of a clinical research team in both leadership and support roles.
• Strengthen communication, coordination, and relationship management skills required for participation in complex clinical trials.
• Gain practical experience in the coordination and management of clinical research studies.

Course Content
Participants will observe, receive instruction, and progressively perform key study coordination activities under the direct supervision of experienced study coordinators. The practicum may be tailored to address a trainee’s individual learning objectives and particular area(s) of interest if feasible.

Training activities will include:

• Shadowing study coordinators during clinical research activities.
• Observing participant recruitment, screening, enrolment, and follow-up procedures in ongoing maternal, paediatric, and adolescent research studies.
• Participating in protocol team meetings and study-related discussions to better understand study implementation and the role of a study coordinator.
• Learning about study operations, including scheduling, documentation, staff coordination, and participant management.
• Observing adverse event reporting, data collection procedures, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Participating in an online course, “Fundamentals of Research Coordination,” which includes a self-paced “Online Orientation for Research Staff” module and a three-day virtual program led by Johns Hopkins subject matter experts (Sep 15th-17th, 2026)

Duration: 3–6 months (September 2026–February 2027) with at least once every week.
Commitment: Participants will be expected to demonstrate commitment by completing the online virtual course and attending at least 75% of sessions.
Mode of delivery: Primarily in-person. The “Fundamentals of Research Coordination” course led by JHU School of Nursing faculty will be delivered online (Sep 15th-17th, 2026 from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST).

The practicum will include field placements at MU-JHU and, where appropriate, at partner institutions conducting similar research.

Learning approaches:

• Practical field-based training
• Interactive sessions
• Case-based discussions
• Group practical exercises
• Supplemental lectures and online learning activities

Applications are invited from nurses and other researchers working at MU-JHU and other research organizations in Uganda who are interested in developing competencies in study coordination.

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate an interest in clinical research and study coordination.
• Be willing to fulfill requirements for “Fundamentals of Research Coordination” online course led by the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing from Sep 15-17, 2026.
• Be willing to participate in the 5-day HIV clinical trial core course/workshop at MU-JHU*.
• Be willing to participate in at least one additional short-term or supplemental training module related to the practicum.
• Obtain approval from their immediate supervisor to ensure protected time for participation.

*Please note: Completion of the 5-day HIV clinical trial core course/workshop at MU-JHU PRIOR to application is not required for participation in this practicum.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. A current curriculum vitae (CV) or biosketch.
2. A personal statement outlining their motivation for applying and the specific skills they hope to acquire.
3. A proposed part-time commitment plan for the 3–6-month training period.
4. A letter of support from their organizational supervisor confirming that the applicant will be granted protected time to participate and describing how the training will benefit their organization.

• Participants who successfully complete the practicum will receive a certificate of completion.
• There are no tuition or course fees.

• 30 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EAT)
• Applications should be submitted through the following link: application link