Project Administrator (Research Assistant) TB01416

North-West University; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in South Africa seeks a Project Administrator (Research Assistant) to support nursing research projects. Responsibilities include coordinating project execution, managing documentation, and enhancing collaboration among research teams. Ideal candidates hold a master's degree in Nursing and have prior research experience. The position is a 15-month fixed-term appointment with a focus on improving quality in nursing practices.

Benefits

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• Master's degree (NQF level 9) in Nursing or health-related discipline.
• Minimum two years academic research experience in the field.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning and execution of research projects.
• Manage documentation related to research projects.
• Facilitate communication among research team members.

Skills

Experience with academic databases

Familiarity with research software

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Knowledge of academic publishing

Passion for research

Education

Master's degree in Nursing

Tools

SPSS

EndNote

REDCap

Job description

Overview

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

POSITION NUMBER: TB01416

VACANCY: PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR (RESEARCH ASSISTANT)

PEROMNES GRADE: P11

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: 15 MONTH FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT

Responsibilities

• Purpose of the position — The Project Administrator (Research Assistant) will provide services to Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) Research Focus Area on a temporary basis for a period of 15 months.
• Research Responsibilities — Collaborate with principal investigator and research team of the SANOPSys research programme to coordinate the planning execution and monitoring of research projects; track project progress and report updates to relevant stakeholders; assist internal individuals / staff members with research-related activities, including communication, administration and deliverables of all research-related activities.
• Administrative Support — Manage documentation related to research projects, grants and research protocols; schedule and organise research-related meetings, prepare agendas and document meeting minutes if necessary; maintain organised records of academic publications, presentations and project-related materials.
• Communication and Collaboration — Facilitate communication among research team members, collaborators and academic departments; serve as a liaison between the research team and administrative units within the academic institution; contribute to the development of communication strategies to disseminate research findings.
• Resource management — Coordinate the allocation and utilization of resources for research projects including personnel, equipment and facilities; assist in the preparation and submission of grant proposals ensuring compliance with academic and funding agency requirements; monitor and manage project budgets in collaboration with financial departments.
• Quality Assurance — Implement and uphold academic and ethical standards in research practices; contribute to the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for research projects and processes of the SANOPSys programme; assist in the preparation and submission of academic manuscripts.
• Compliance — Ensure that all activities and documents adhere to university policies, regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
• Postgraduate student support — Actively contribute to the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to support postgraduate student research; monitor postgraduate student research progress from proposal development to completion to proactively identify challenges and facilitate solutions; facilitate access to specialized software resources and training opportunities for students.

Qualifications and Experience

• A master's degree (NQF level 9) in Nursing or health-related discipline.
• A minimum of two years academic research experience in the field of nursing or health-related discipline.
• Added advantages: Professional registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Key Functional / Technical Competencies

• Experience with academic databases and literature review processes.
• Familiarity with academic research software and data management tools e.g. EndNote, SPSS, REDCap, Clarivate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based storage systems.
• Experience working or researching in the SANOPSys research programme (nurse, patient, organisational and system outcomes).
• Knowledge of academic publishing and research dissemination.
• Experience conducting research in nursing and midwifery, including establishing and facilitating relationships between researchers and external stakeholders (e.g. hospitals), promoting knowledge translation and implementation of various research and community engagement projects.
• Passion for research and a commitment to improving the quality of nursing and midwifery in the South African context.

Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding job content may be directed to: Ms Anelle Erasmus

Enquiries regarding recruitment process may be directed to: Janine Da Gama

Closing Date

Closing date: 07 August 2025

Planned commencement of duties: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

It all starts here

Experience: Unclear Seniority

Key Skills: Laboratory Experience, SPSS, Data Collection, DNA Isolation, Stata, Biochemistry, Qualitative Research Interviewing, Research Experience, Statistical Software, Molecular Biology, Research Laboratory Experience, Western Blot

Employment Type: Contract

Vacancy: 1