Clinical Research Assistant x2 at University of the Witwatersrand

Job Description

• This position will suit an individual with insight into the above-mentioned research fields, good report writing skills, good interpersonal communication skills and sound managerial experience.
• The appointed individual will be based at one of the RCT sites, either Tintswalo Hospital or Themba Hospital (Ehlanzeni District), Mpumalanga. Reporting will be to the Wits-PI/Project Coordinator.

Key performance areas:

Clinical skills

• Undertake rigorous, project-specific training on point-of-care Lung Ultrasound acquisition and interpretation, as well as specimen retrieval and storage.
• Properly undertake Lung Ultrasound acquisition, interpretation, and specimen collection (blood, nasopharyngeal swab, dried blood spot) using specific study protocols.
• Liaise with senior team members and a panel of experts for clinical support to maintain a high quality of data collection and image interpretation.
• Assist in capturing medical data from participant folders and assist in the translation of hospital records into reliable study data.
• Coordinate with the laboratory team with regard to on-site specimen storage and shipment to the Wits-Agincourt Lab for processing.

Project Site Management & Administration

• Supervise a field team with varying skills, including planning daily activities to meet recruitment and follow-up targets.
• Assist with on-site data quality monitoring – running regular checks for consent forms, missing/unexpected data, and working with the Data Manager to identify and resolve any problems that arise.

Communication

• Update the study investigators and Agincourt field managers on the study progress – including regular written reports.
• Meet regularly with Unit scientific staff

Scientific output

• Collate project statistics regularly.
• Present project progress at weekly study meetings.
• Participate, and where applicable, lead the production of manuscripts emanating from the research.

Required minimum work experience

• Minimum 2 years clinical experience
• Some demonstrated managerial experience
• A degree in clinical sciences (preferably BCMP) is required, though other clinically

Demands of the job

• Will be required to be onsite at the clinical field site everyday (no remote work possible) Ability to work in a high-pressured environment with overlapping priorities.
• Must be able to handle stress with tact and empathy.
• Will be required to be available outside of traditional working hours to provide support for the project if needed.