Junior Researcher X2 (Public Health - 3 Month Temp Contract - Wits Rhi)

Background:

• The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa’s health challenges
• It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology

Main purpose of the job:

• To conduct qualitative and quantitative TB and/or HIV, maternal & child health research activities to meet the overall research objectives of the projects and that of the organisation

Location:

• 7 Esselen Street, Hillbrow, Shandukani CRS

Key performance areas:

• Conceptualise and design the research (self-initiated or commissioned)
• Conduct literature review to determine what research has been done and what the gaps in knowledge are
• Write research proposals
• Obtain ethical approval from relevant regulatory committees / bodies
• Write research protocols and SOPs for quantitative studies
• Develop and design research tools and obtain approval
• Train the Research team and other relevant staff on the requirements for the study
• Engage Community Advisory Groups regarding research studies, as and when required
• Monitor the progress of research projects through ongoing liaison with the Research team
• Collaborate closely with other Investigators on related studies within the unit and provide advice or guidance on study design, protocol, research tools, data analysis and other research related activities
• Provide expert advice and guidance on research database design, review specifications and testing plan (if applicable)
• Develop SOPs and protocols for data collection
• Monitor and follow data collection procedures
• Visit study sites to collect study data
• Quality assure data by checking Patient records and ensuring all Patient follow ups are recorded
• Monitor and provide regular feedback to the Research team
• Develop a database for capturing of research data collected
• Capture research data collected into the database
• Perform data clean up as and when required
• Study research protocol and obtain background of the study
• Conceptualise the analysis and develop an analysis plan
• Present the analysis plan to relevant Stakeholders and obtain feedback
• Conduct statistical data analysis and write up results
• Compile relevant reports and research findings to address questions that transpired from meetings, management or Donors’ requests
• Disseminate research results and publications
• Stay abreast with relevant research findings within the unit
• Attend to all staffing requirements and administration
• Supervise and manage the duties of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilisation and maintenance of sound labour relations
• Perform and facilitate performance development and assessments
• Identify substandard performance by team members and take necessary corrective action
• Coach and train subordinates and team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation
• Promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities such as forums, conferences, policy setting workshops etc

Required minimum education and training:

• Master’s Degree in Public Health or Epidemiology or Medical Sciences

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 1 year research experience in public health

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Data collection and cleaning, knowledge of data analysis and statistical software i.e. SAS, STATA,NVIVO
• Knowledge of TB and HIV
• Experience in using various research methodological designs
• Experience in data analysis (longitudinal data sets) and publication writing
• Ordered, systematic and analytical in approach to research
• Tactful, respectful and non-judgmental
• Good administrative skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Able to work under pressure, adhere to deadlines and follow through on assigned tasks
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and work as part of a diverse or multidisciplinary team
• Assertive, confident and adaptable

Please note:

• WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto

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