Research Nurse

Desmond Tutu Health Foundation; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research organization seeks a Research Nurse in Cape Town to coordinate the Universal Test and Connect Study. The role involves managing field staff and ensuring high-quality data collection, specifically focused on youth-friendly health services. Candidates should have a nursing qualification and experience in adolescent health-related fields. Competencies in English and isiXhosa or Afrikaans are required.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years nursing experience post-graduation.
• Experience working with adolescents in the health sector.
• Must be able to work in a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day research implementation.
• Oversee and track recruitment of eligible participants.
• Provide client focused youth friendly health services.
• Administer contraception and conduct HIV testing.

Skills

Fluency in English

Fluency in isiXhosa or Afrikaans

Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Computer literacy

Ability to work well under pressure

Client focused

Administration skills

Detail oriented

Education

Nursing Diploma or Degree with active SANC registration

Job description

Job title : Research Nurse

Job Location : Western Cape, Cape Town

Deadline : November 17, 2025

The main purpose of the Research Nurse is to coordinate the Universal Test and Connect (UTC) Study, overseeing day-to-day research implementation and ensuring high-quality data collection in the field. This position will manage field staff, coordinate procurement, and monitor study activities to ensure smooth research operations. The position will be responsible for maintaining protocol adherence, participant safety, and effective study execution at the Gugulethu site, with future expansion to Tygerberg in 2026.

Job Requirements

• Nursing Diploma or Degree with active South African Nursing Council (SANC) registration as a Registered Nurse
• At least 2 years nursing experience post-graduation
• Experience of working with adolescents in the health sector / clinical environment
• Fluency in English and isiXhosa or Afrikaans
• Computer literacy with sound knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain effectiveness during changing conditions
• Ability to work harmoniously with youth of diverse backgrounds
• Client focused
• Administration skills
• Must be able to work in a team and independently
• Must be detail orientated
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including weekends from time to time

Advantageous

• At least one-year experience within a research environment
• Experience working in HIV prevention project providing SRH services, including provision of PrEP.
• Valid drivers’ license
• Dispensing license
• CNP Qualification
• GCP certificate
• Nurse Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Treatment (NIMART) trained and PrEP initiation
• Dispensing certificate

Responsibilities

• Providing a client focused youth friendly sexual and reproductive health service for clients
• Oversee and track recruitment of eligible participants
• Oversee participant management activities
• Oversee and conduct HIV testing
• Referral to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or antiretroviral treatment (ART)
• Oversee QC for HIV Testing
• Proficiency in phlebotomy techniques
• Follow-up STI results, treatment and update the data management system
• Administer contraception
• Requisition of medical supplies, stock management and control
• Perform required clinical duties as indicated and as per qualification / competence
• Maintaining strict client confidentiality
• Oversee and provide pre- and post-test HIV counselling, as well as HIV risk reduction counselling.
• Obtaining blood and urine samples and processing them as required e.g. Urine pregnancy testing
• Conducting study procedures as per study specific protocol e.g. Point of Care testing.
• Communication with the laboratory regarding query resolution e.g. Data correction
• Performing other client care procedures as required
• Entering data on case report forms (CRF’s) and electronic data base and processing
• Line-management / Supervision of Staff (HCT counsellors)
• Completion of staff evaluation processes, determine training needs and oversee required training
• Prepare and submit weekly report as required
• Performing Quality Control (QC) checks on Point of Care tests as required
• Performing Quality Control (QC) checks on CRFs and source documents
• Providing feedback to staff regarding common errors as part of the QC process
• Managing filing of CRFs, source documents and laboratory reports
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