Senior Researcher (Wits RHI)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Main purpose of the job:

• To design and implement research projects, analyse quantitative research data and publish scientific articles

Location:

• 08 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• Support the development of research strategies and plans for the implementation science team
• Keep abreast of emerging research and development in the field to maintain expertise in the technical area
• Develop study protocols in line with strategic and donor requirements
• Obtain ethical approval from relevant regulatory bodies
• Develop and implement study SOPs
• Develop and design research tools
• Oversee project fieldwork and data collection
• Oversee the project’s data management, including development of databases as applicable
• Monitor the progress of research projects according to goals and timelines
• Write progress reports to stakeholders including networks and funders
• Stay abreast with relevant research findings and collaborate closely with other investigators on related studies
• Together with study investigators, lead the project’s quantitative data analysis and write up
• Oversee the development and implementation of the project’s data analysis plan
• Lead the project’s interim analyses and prepare these for presentation
• Contribute to the write up of project reports and publications
• Review protocols and papers from other researchers within and beyond the implementation science team
• Publish scientific manuscripts
• Compile conference presentations
• Disseminate research findings internally and to universities and other stakeholders such the community, and media
• Identify relevant funding opportunities
• Write research and funding proposals
• Support the development of funding proposals across the IS unit, with a focus on quantitative study design and data collection methodologies
• Contribute towards policy development
• Contribute towards the development of knowledge within the team by identifying relevant training needs and topics
• Coach and train team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation
• Develop relevant training material and presentations
• Conduct ad hoc research training interventions
• Participate and actively contribute to research forums
• Supervise post graduate students where appropriate (1/year)
• Attend to all staffing requirements and administration
• Supervise and manage the duties of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilisation and maintenance of sound labour relations
• Perform and facilitate performance development and assessments
• Identify substandard performance by team members and take necessary corrective action
• Coach and train subordinates and team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation
• Promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self management
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Take ownership for driving own career development in attending training and development sessions and relevant forums/meetings
• Maintain and update knowledge of developments in field and expertise

Required minimum education and training:

• PhD in appropriate discipline

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 5-8 years research experience
• Management of research programmes with a research record of an ongoing output evidenced by at least eight published refereed papers
• Expertise in quantitative data collection, management and analysis, including of cohort data

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Experience in public health, HIV prevention and/or related research
• Certification in good clinical practice
• Experience working in a low or middle income country
• Experience in implementing independent projects
• Experience in managing donor-funded projects
• Ordered, systematic and analytical in approach to research
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
• Self motivated, able to work independently and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Assertive, confident and adaptable
• Able to show proof of publication records and conference presentations
• Experience with local SA regulatory guidelines

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications: 15 November 2024.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note:

• AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.