Research Assistant

Wits University; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 226,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Johannesburg is seeking a Research Assistant to support research design, data collection, and project coordination. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in research or fieldwork, particularly with youth. A salary of ZAR 225 792 per annum is offered, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and professional integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Public Health, or related discipline).
• Previous research or fieldwork experience.
• Knowledge of local languages including Zulu and Sotho.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing research tools that are youth- and gender-sensitive.
• Support logistics for fieldwork including coordinating interviews.
• Transcribe and code qualitative data.
• Engage with youth participants on sensitive topics.
• Draft reports and presentation materials.

Skills

Research tool development

Data collection support

Academic writing

Community engagement

Cultural sensitivity

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Brief Description

Responsibilities: Research Design and Tool Development

• Assist in the development and refinement of research tools (e.g., interview guides, focus group guides, workshop guides), ensuring they are youth- and gender-sensitive.
• Support the translation and localization of research instruments for use in different cultural and linguistic settings in which the study will be conducted.

Responsibilities: Fieldwork Preparation

• Assist in organizing fieldwork logistics such as coordinating interviews, managing schedules, and liaising with local partners.
• Data collection support
• Participate in or observe qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, focus group discussions) where appropriate, under supervision.
• Engage respectfully and ethically with youth participants, particularly when discussing sensitive SRHR topics.

Responsibilities: Data Management and Preliminary Analysis

• Transcribe or code qualitative data, support data cleaning for survey datasets.
• Assist in identifying key themes, patterns, and issues relevant to youth mobility and access to SRHR services.
• Academic writing and dissemination.
• Draft sections of internal reports, policy briefs, or academic papers in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Assist in preparing presentation materials for conferences, seminars, or stakeholder workshops.

Responsibilities: Project Coordination and Communication

• Attend regular research team meetings and contribute to collaborative planning and problem-solving.
• Maintain organised project files and contribute to documenting fieldwork processes and challenges.
• Engage in research mentorship activities, such as methods workshops or writing retreats, where available.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Public Health, or related discipline).
• Previous research or fieldwork experience.
• Experience working with communities or participants.
• Knowledge of local language(s) including Zulu, Sotho and other local languages.

Personal Attributes

• Professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Flexibility and adaptability to fieldwork conditions.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse populations.

Remuneration

Remuneration: ZAR 225 792 per annum