Research Assistant (1 year contract) (AD.13.5)

Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) Wits University; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 330 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research unit in South Africa is seeking a Research Assistant on a 1-year contract. The role involves coordinating research activities, conducting data collection, and assisting in data analysis. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field and have 2 years of relevant experience in a research environment. Strong communication skills and proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health or related field required.
• 2 years relevant work experience in a research or academic environment.
• Qualitative and quantitative data collection experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support research activities by managing project documentation.
• Conduct data collection, manage participant recruitment and logistics.
• Assist with data analysis and compile reports.

Skills

Data collection and analysis

Excellent communication skills

Research methodology

Qualitative and quantitative data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Description

Job Title: Research Assistant (1 year contract)

Location: Johannesburg, ZA

Organization Name: SA MRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA

Department Description: PRAISELESS SA is a health research unit within the School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, that engages in various field work studies in communities and public health work. The Wits SPH is one of the largest Schools of Public Health in South Africa, with an international reputation for its teaching programmes, conducting high quality and relevant research, community outreach and policy engagement activities.

Brief Description

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (1 Year Contract)

To assist the public health team with research duties by managing data collection and analysis, ensuring adherence to research protocols, and contributing to effective communication and reporting. This role requires the ability to work alone as well as with a team. It’s important to build strong professional relationships with staff and students to meet research goals effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health or related field

Experience

• 2 years relevant work experience in a research or academic environment
• Computer literacy (incl. Microsoft Office suite)
• Qualitative and quantitative data collection experience would be an advantage
• Research methodology design and scientific writing experience would be an advantage
• Excellent communication and reporting writing skills

Responsibilities

• Research administration. Coordinate and support research activities by managing project documentation, assisting with donor and ethics reporting, organising meetings and procurement, preparing project materials, and ensuring administrative requirements are met.
• Data collection and management. Support research implementation by coordinating and conducting data collection, managing participant recruitment and logistics, performing data preparation and quality control, and ensuring accurate and timely submission of high-quality data in adherence to protocols.
• Analyse research data. Contribute to research outputs by assisting with data analysis, compiling reports and findings in response to stakeholder inquiries, supporting dissemination of results and publications, and staying informed on relevant research developments.
• Effective self‑management and performance ownership. Demonstrate accountability and self‑management by maintaining high standards of work quality and productivity, embracing feedback, engaging in academic activities, and actively pursuing professional development opportunities.
• Any additional duties as prescribed by the line manager, such as participating in scholarly activities, collaborating with colleagues to provide support on projects or back‑stopping for colleagues during annual leave.

Detailed Description Job Requirements Additional Details How To Apply

Closing date: 12 November 2025

To Apply

Please submit the following documents on http://www.wits.ac.za/vacancies/ or for internal applicants https://irec.wits.ac.za.

Documents To Be Submitted With Your Application

• A covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for this position
• A detailed CV, including contact details
• Names, telephone numbers and email addresses of 3 referees
• Certified copies of degrees/diplomas
• SA ID (or passport and work permit)

It is compulsory as part of your application to answer the questions on the iRec platform.

Please Note

Only applications via the website will be considered for shortlisting.

An interview will form part of the selection process.

NB. The University will seek confidential referee reports for all shortlisted candidates. At least one referee must be the candidate’s current or most recent immediate supervisor or line manager. No appointment will be made without the receipt and satisfactory consideration of the required referee reports.

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to appointable applicants from the designated South African groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment, to re‑advertise, and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the under‑represented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment, and to verify all information provided by candidates.