Research Assistant / Research Officer

University of Cape Town Lung Institute; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cape Town Lung Institute is recruiting for a 12-month fixed-term contract role based in Cape Town/Paarl. The position supports grant writing, literature reviews, budget development, and coordination of research projects under supervision of the Unit's data team.

The role requires postgraduate public health/epidemiology/biostatistics and strong writing skills, with advantageous experience in grants and child health research. Travel to Paarl may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience in a research environment or clinical experience related to child health would be advantageous
• Strong academic writing skills and experience drafting scientific manuscripts (advantageous)
• Experience with research grants management, grant applications and proposals (advantageous)
• Advanced computer skills including statistical analysis and data visualization tools (advantageous)

Responsibilities

• Identify research funding opportunities and assist with grant applications.
• Provide writing support for research proposals, protocols and scientific publications.
• Conduct literature reviews and prepare scientific presentations.
• Assist with developing and reviewing research project budgets.
• Support data analysis and reporting under the supervision of the Unit's data team.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of HREC applications, ethics approvals and progress reports.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date research and clinical trial documentation.
• Liaise with national and international research collaborators and relevant stakeholders.
• Provide administrative and coordination support across research projects.
• Attend meetings, training and conferences as required.
• Travel to the Paarl site when required.
• Perform other reasonable research-related duties as assigned by management.

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Undergraduate qualification in a health-related discipline

Postgraduate qualification in public health, epidemiology and/or biostatistics

Job description

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent qualification
• Undergraduate qualification in a health-related discipline
• Postgraduate qualification in public health, epidemiology and/or biostatistics
• Experience in a research environment or clinical experience related to child health would be advantageous
• Strong academic writing skills and experience drafting scientific manuscripts (advantageous)
• Experience with research grants management, grant applications and proposals (advantageous)
• Advanced computer skills including statistical analysis and data visualization tools (advantageous)

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Identify research funding opportunities and assist with preparing grant applications.
• Provide writing support for research proposals, protocols and scientific publications.
• Conduct literature reviews and prepare scientific presentations.
• Assist with developing and reviewing research project budgets.
• Support data analysis and reporting under the supervision of the Unit's data team.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of HREC applications, ethics approvals and progress reports.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date research and clinical trial documentation.
• Liaise with national and international research collaborators and relevant stakeholders.
• Provide administrative and coordination support across research projects.
• Attend meetings, training and conferences as required.
• Travel to the Paarl site when required.
• Perform other reasonable research-related duties as assigned by management.

Additional Information:

• 12-month Fixed Term Contract Monday to Friday | 40 hours per week (negotiable)
• Based At Redcross, Cape Town or Paarl as required
• Closing Date: 20 November 2026

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT

We are committed to equitable employment practices and diversity in the workplace. Appointments will be made in accordance with the University of Cape Town Lung Institutes Employment Equity Plan.

POPIA STATEMENT

Your personal information will be processed in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and used solely for recruitment purposes, including reference checks. By applying, you consent to this process.

*Please Note: This Position is not on UCT Conditions of Service.