Research Associate

New Tb Vaccines; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research organization is seeking a Research Associate for the TB transmission project in Durban. Responsibilities include managing a team, overseeing research interventions, and ensuring project success. Candidates should hold a PhD in a related field and have at least 5 years of clinical research experience. Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude are essential in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in a clinical research environment.
• Minimum of 5 years related experience (post-grad).
• Valid driver's licence with at least 2 years driving experience.
• TB / HIV prevention research experience.
• Experience with regulatory and GCP and Ethics matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Asymptomatic TB Transmission project.
• Liaise closely with principal investigators.
• Supervise a team of clinical research assistants and nurses.
• Develop and enhance research tools and techniques.
• Prepare technical and analytical reports.
• Recruit and select staff.
• Monitor project progress and budget.

Skills

Verbal communication skills in English

Written communication skills in English

Accuracy and precision

High computer literacy

Report writing

Dynamic and teamwork

Proactive attitude

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work under pressure

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in public health, social science, management or related field

Job description

Description

AHRI seeks to employ the Research Associate who will be based in Mtubatuba Somkhele Campus.

The purpose of the position is to provide day-to-day management of the Asymptomatic TB Transmission in Indonesia and South Africa (ATTIS Study) which will be conducted in Mtubatuba / Richards Bay / Empangeni and surrounding areas.

The successful candidate will be responsible for close liaison with the principal investigators and the wider investigative team.

Overview of Duties

The Research Associate position requires familiarity with a wide variety of research methodologies and techniques; statistical analysis; quantitative and qualitative methods; writing and speaking skills; analytical and critical thinking skills; and research leadership skills.

S / he will be responsible for overall management of the project team and provide oversight of the research interventions through the project management team.

This includes managing a team of clinical research assistants, drivers, registered and professional nurses responsible for providing research clinical services in mobile and fixed clinics.

The position also involves working closely with the data manager, the research physician, pharmacist, social scientists and the statistician.

She or he will be required to enhance or develop advanced research tools, procedures or techniques and will liaise with stakeholders on operational aspects.

Other necessary skills of the Research Associate include the ability to contribute meaningful ideas, work productively with other research team members as well as on independent assignments and supervise junior staff.

Overview of duties

Design, execution, supervision, and analysis of project data collected.

• Design, execution, supervision, and analysis of data including quantitative and qualitative components of the study.
• Assisting with the designing, enrolling and follow up of patient cohorts relevant to the ATTIS study.
• Scientific communication via teleconference, conference call, local meetings with local and long-distance collaborators.
• Responsibility for organising and supervising laboratory staff, equipment and materials.
• Coordinate project specific activities and communication.
• Assist with the organization and implementation of research projects such as reporting on the status of project tasks and identifying ways to improve research design.
• Assisting in the recruitment and selection of staff.

He / she briefs new recruits on all operational policies and procedures, and ensures each person understands his role and accountabilities.

• Assist with other research projects and educational activities as requested.
• Prepare clearly written technical and analytical reports.
• As active members of a team of researchers, associates are responsible for a wide variety of tasks related to a project, including planning and assisting with data collection; data analysis; and writing and disseminating research results.
• Plans schedule according to variety of methods to be used, availability and quantity of resources, and number of subordinate personnel assigned to participate in project.
• Conducts research, utilizing institution library, archives, and collections, and other sources of information, to collect, record, analyse, and evaluate facts.
• Discusses findings with other personnel to evaluate validity of findings.
• Prepares reports of completed projects for publication in technical journals, for use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
• Assists with the development, updating and maintenance of SOPs.
• Strives to maintain a productive publication record.
• Presents work at and attends national and international scientific meetings to disseminate research findings.
• Ensures financial accountability and progress reports on own grant and associated cost centres.
• Implement research protocol accordingly.
• Work with the PI in developing ethics amendments and submissions for the project.
• Monitor the progress of the project, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
• Develop, train and pilot the data collection tools.
• Supervise and ensure the quality of the data collected and services provided in the field* Organize regular meetings with staff and research operations teams.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Monitor and approve budgeted project expenditures.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in public health, social science, management or related field.

Minimum Experience

5 years' experience in a clinical research environment.

• Minimum of 5 years related experience (post-grad).
• Valid driver's licence with at least 2 years driving experience* At least 3 years of postdoctoral research is required.
• Experience in clinical and health sector.
• TB / HIV prevention research experience.
• Report writing experience.
• Past experience with regulatory and GCP and Ethics and compliance matters.

Skills Required

Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Accuracy and precision.
• High computer literacy.
• Report writing.
• Must be able to work under pressure.
• Must be able to work with minimum supervision.
• Dynamic person with a demonstrated capacity for teamwork.
• Proactive, flexible and problem-solving attitude.
• Previous experience in multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong experimental and analytical skills.

Worker Type

Employee The application closing date : 6 Dec Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.