Research Assistant (Mycology - 12 Months Contract)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Additional information:

• The Mycology Division aims to improve the outcomes of people affected by serious, life- threatening fungal diseases in South Africa and the African region through public health-focused epidemiological, clinical and basic science research and innovation
• The Division’s work also stretches to other important infectious diseases

Main purpose of the job:

• The Research Assistant will facilitate and aid in the recruitment and follow-up of study participants which will require them to work flexibly to ensure the successful working of studies
• They will also act as a patient advocate providing support and assistance as required and assist in the co-ordination and management of a portfolio of clinical research studies

Location:

• Helen Joseph Hospital & Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital – Johannesburg/Soweto

Key performance areas:

Recruitment, screening and follow-up

• Conduct any pre-study entry evaluation for potential participants
• Ensure that patients who need referral to other health care services are duly referred
• Obtain participant’s or next of kin’s informed consent before commencement of any study related activities
• Assist with the follow-up of participants, including conducting follow-up visits at their homes when necessary
• Maintain confidentiality of all participants’ study information.

Clinical assessment

• Carry out planned care and assessments as required by the study protocol without direct supervision
• Assist in all clinical aspects of the study, including venepuncture, swab collection, blood or urine sample processing, and clinical observation
• Record accurately all data obtained throughout the study and maintain all data and case report forms, both paper and electronic

Administration

• Contribute to the day-to-day management of research studies, ensuring compliance with international standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), with the Site Medical Officer, Site PI, research nurse and laboratory staff
• Assist in the preparation of study materials
• Participate in the training and induction of all new members of the team, and to support appropriate training and development opportunities in line with role requirements
• Ensure that records are kept in regard to study recruitment, screening, losses to the study and enrolment

Required minimum education and training:

• Honours Degree in Science, Public Health, Economics, Social Science, Development studies, Social Development Studies desirable

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum of 1 years’ professional experience working in the health sector or conducting health related research
• Understanding health systems, public health, and health policy will be an advantage

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Sound understanding of the South African public health system, low resource settings and academic research (human research study design and statistical analysis)
• Competent in using data collection and analysis software or aptitude/willingness to learn
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
• Able to communicate well, both written and spoken
• Self-motivated, and able to work well independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and reporting to more than one supervisor
• Working overtime may be required from time to time
• Able to work with patients who are HIV-seropositive and with serious life-threatening conditions
• Travel may be required between sites and to participant’s homes
• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications: 25 September 2024.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their 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.

Please note:

• AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.