Senior Researcher (Wits RHI)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Main purpose of the job:

• To design and implement qualitative research projects, analyze qualitative research data and publish scientific articles
• Day to day coordination of qualitative research related activities including participant recruitment, qualitative interview conduct (in depth interviews and focus group discussions), quality control of source material (including study documents, transcripts and audio recordings) as well as contribution to data analysis and dissemination activities

Location:

• Wits RHI - 7 Esselen Street, Hillbrow, Research Centre (3rd, 4th, and 5th Floors) - Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• Stay abreast with relevant research findings and collaborate closely with other investigators on related studies
• Become familiar with project/topics area through literature review
• Participate in discussions regarding the future direction of research strategies and plans for Wits RHI
• Write research protocols and SOPs for qualitative studies
• Liaise with sponsors to ensure applicable CRF's and necessary qualitative tools are prepared
• Develop and design qualitative research tools where required
• Assist with obtaining ethical approval from relevant regulatory bodies
• Manage recruitment of eligible participants for participation in qualitative studies including relevant fieldwork activities
• Oversee screening and enrolment of eligible patients according to protocol requirements
• Book and/or perform study specific pre-screening or screening where applicable
• Schedule appointments with participants
• Retrieve related participant files, reports, and documentation
• Provide background information to participants prior to informed concern being signed
• Secure informed written and verbal consent from each participant before research starts
• Collect data (CRF completion, interviews (in depth interviews, focus group discussions, workshops, etc.)
• Conduct successful interviews and focus group discussions with superb communication skills, awareness of personal biases, critical curiosity, and a neutral tone
• Critically reflect on positionality and power relations as a respectful researcher prior, during, and after data collection activities
• Manage data capture, quality control of qualitative documents and transcription and translation
• Maintain all participants files and filing systems
• Compile all relevant project administration as and when required (i.e. Participants reimbursement)
• Develop and document appropriate qualitative coding frameworks
• Conduct data analysis (with input from statistical team) and write up results
• Monitor the progress of qualitative research project
• Write progress reports to stakeholders including networks and funders
• Ensure storage and achieving of data according to SOP's (electronic, and hard copy data)
• Publish, disseminate, and present findings and results to stakeholders
• Participate in all appropriate research related meeting (internal and external)
• Publish scientific publications
• Compile conference presentations
• Disseminate research findings internally and to universities and other stakeholders such the community, CAGs, and media
• Write research and funding proposals
• Advise WRHI leadership on research opportunities
• Contribute towards policy development
• Train team and other relevant staff
• 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 Social Science or related field

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 5-8 years research experience

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Experience in socio-behavioural research is desired
• Certification in good clinical practice
• Experience working in a low- or middle-income country
• Experience in implementing independent qualitative projects
• Experience working on clinical trials or in large collaborative networks
• Familiarity with data analysis software
• Ordered, systematic and analytical in approach to research
• Tactful, respectful, and non-judgmental
• Good administrative skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• 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
• 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: 12 December 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.