Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (2 years contract Wits Health Consortium)

Ajpersonnel; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Soweto, South Africa, is seeking a qualified researcher to manage a project on home-based breast cancer screening. Candidates must possess a relevant PhD and have experience in fieldwork, particularly within the public health sector. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment are essential. The position is contract-based with a focus on innovative health solutions.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in Fieldwork.
• Familiar with the Public Health System.

Responsibilities

• Project manage a study on home-based screening.
• Perform qualitative needs analysis through interviews.
• Train clinical research assistants for interviews.
• Contribute to data analysis and publication processes.
• Lead implementation science projects.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genetics

R

Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Research Experience

Statistical Software

Cell Culture

Molecular Biology

Data Analysis Skills

Flow Cytometry

Microscopy

Education

PhD Degree

Job description

Background

• Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited (WHC) is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
• WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
• In addition WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics

Division

Non-Communicable Diseases Research (NCDR)

Main Purpose of the Job

The applicant will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic international and supportive research environment (within the Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand - SOSRU) and supervised by Dr Maureen Joffe SOSRU Director and Prof Dan ONeil Yale University USA collaborator on the early detection of breast cancer research programme.

Location

Johannesburg and the study will be based in Soweto.

Key Performance Areas

• Project manage a study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of home-based screening clinical breast examination in Soweto
• Perform qualitative needs analysis research through in-depth interviews and focus group sessions with identified stakeholders (Community Health Workers CHW Managers Clinical Stakeholders Community Leaders and Community Women in their homes)
• Manage and participate in the training of clinical research assistants who will conduct the interviews and focus group sessions
• Participate as a co-researcher in data analysis coding and publication write-up
• Lead or support implementation science projects particularly those focused on needs analysis and field operationalisation of interventions (non-drug trials)
• Apply appropriate qualitative and / or implementation science theoretical and conceptual frameworks to guide study design and analysis
• Undertake acceptability assessments of interventions using established theoretical models
• Contribute to the development of study protocols, data collection tools and analytic frameworks
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and stakeholders across various project phases
• Prepare reports, presentations and manuscripts to disseminate research findings
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards and quality assurance processes in all research activities

Required Minimum Education and Training

• Relevant PhD Degree

Required Minimum Work Experience

• 1 year experience in Fieldwork
• Familiar with the Public Health System

Desirable Additional Education, Work Experience and Personal Abilities

• Having experience in managing study support staff (trained fieldworkers) will be an advantage
• Friendly outgoing personality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good emotional intelligence

TO APPLY

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please apply online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Applicants who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• Closing date: 25 November 2025.
• No CV will be accepted after the closing date.

Employment Equity Statement

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.

Key Skills

Bioinformatics, Genetics, R, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Research Experience, Statistical Software, Cell Culture, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis Skills, Flow Cytometry, Microscopy

Employment Type

Contract

Experience

Years

Vacancy

1