Research Assistant (Data Scientist)

SUMMARY:
The Centre for Child and Adolescent Lung Health Unit (CHILD), based at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town, requires applications for a RESEARCH ASSISTANT/DATA SCIENTIST.
 
The main purpose of this position is to use scientific expertise to analyse and draft publications for the Unit’s work on biomarker discovery and diagnostic evaluation in the field of paediatric tuberculosis. The incumbent should be experienced in manuscript and abstract writing, with analytical skills in biostatistics and preferably bioinformatics.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:

• Graduate qualification in health-related discipline and postgraduate (Masters or higher) qualification in public health/biostatistics/bioinformatics/data or computer science
• Experience working in a health research setting
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) would be advantageous
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English
• Intermediate/advanced computer skills including statistical analysis and data visualisation tools
• Experience with analysis of large biomedical datasets, including use of bioinformatic and machine learning algorithms (advantageous)
• Track-record of first and second authorship on scientific manuscripts
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to use initiative and facilitate change
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated understanding of issues within a cross-cultural environment
• Interest in mentoring junior trainees and staff

• Liaise with international and national study collaborators
• Perform data analyses utilising clinical and large biomedical datasets under the supervision of the Unit’s data team, generated from a paediatric TB diagnostics cohort
• Provide manuscript writing support for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Attend meetings/trainings/courses as required
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned

• 12-month fixed term contract
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Position will be based at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town