Junior Scientist

South African Medical Research Council; Durban; On-site; ZAR 361,000 - 441,000; Full time

Job summary

South African Medical Research Council in Durban invites applications for a Junior Scientist (E) to provide technical and operational research support across ongoing projects, including data collection and fieldwork coordination. The role requires a 4-year honours in Public Health or Epidemiology and at least 2 years in a research setting, with experience in both quantitative and qualitative methods.

The appointee will manage data, assist with recruitment, ensure SOP adherence, and contribute to

Qualifications

• 4-year tertiary qualification (Honours degree) in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a research environment (SAMRC or similar).
• Experience conducting research with children, adolescents and caregivers within a clinic or health environment.
• Experience with conducting both quantitative and qualitative research.
• Experience working on collaborative or multiple studies.
• Experience analyzing survey data.
• Worked on mixed methods papers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the implementation of research studies in accordance with approved protocols and SOPs.
• Conducting and coordinating data collection activities and ensuring quality control of data.
• Assisting with participant recruitment, screening, consenting, and retention activities.
• Performing data entry, cleaning, and preparation of datasets for analysis.
• Conducting basic quantitative data analysis using statistical software (e.g. STATA).
• Supporting qualitative data processes, including coordination of transcription and coding.
• Maintaining accurate study records, documentation, and filing systems.
• Coordinating fieldwork logistics, including transport, materials, and scheduling.
• Preparing routine reports and providing updates on research activities.
• Supporting dissemination activities, including presentations and contribution to reports.
• Liaising with internal teams and external collaborators as required.

Skills

Data collection

Data management

Qualitative analysis

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

Honours degree in Public Health or Epidemiology

Tools

STATA

REDCap

Job description

The Health Economics Focal Area within the Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU) is seeking to appoint a Junior Scientist (E) to provide technical and operational research support across ongoing projects, including the Uthingo Study. The incumbent will contribute to the implementation of research activities, including data collection, coordination of fieldwork, data management, and analysis, while ensuring adherence to approved protocols, standard operating procedures, and ethical requ.irements. The role will also support collaboration across HSRU focal areas and external partners, including the South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN)

Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the implementation of research studies in accordance with approved protocols and SOPs
• Conducting and coordinating data collection activities and ensuring quality control of data
• Assisting with participant recruitment, screening, consenting, and retention activities
• Performing data entry, cleaning, and preparation of datasets for analysis
• Conducting basic quantitative data analysis using statistical software (e.g. STATA)
• Supporting qualitative data processes, including coordination of transcription and coding
• Maintaining accurate study records, documentation, and filing systems
• Coordinating fieldwork logistics, including transport, materials, and scheduling
• Preparing routine reports and providing updates on research activities
• Supporting dissemination activities, including presentations and contribution to reports
• Liaising with internal teams and external collaborators as required

Contract Duration

• 1 year

Location

• Durban

Remuneration

• R401 036.00 per annum

Core Requirements

• 4-year tertiary qualification (Honours degree) in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a research environment (SAMRC or similar)
• Experience conducting research with children, adolescents and caregivers within a clinic or health environment
• Experience with conducting both quantitative and qualitative research
• Experience working on collaborative or multiple studies
• Experience analyzing survey data
• Worked on mixed methods papers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Added Advantage

• Currently registered for a Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent at a South African University
• Familiar with health economic evaluations
• Basic experience in Data Science
• Proficiency in STATA (required)
• Experience with REDCap or similar databases

Closing Date

• 02 September 2026