Junior Scientist (R609A) at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

• The incumbent will be responsible for managing the fieldwork at an allocated site/s and/or at the NCDRU research clinic, under the supervision of the project management team. The role entails literature (systematic) reviews, executing investigative protocols that tackle deficits in scientific knowledge, then disseminating insights obtained by publishing results. It also entails undertaking research and research co-ordination – coordinating small teams and fieldworker teams - engage with research partners, train, and supervise fieldworkers, conduct the quality control and be responsible for managing, cleaning, and analyzing a complex data set (qualitative and quantitative).

Responsibilities:

Project Work

• Co-ordination and supervising of fieldwork
• Data collection – independently
• Organization and management of data
• Analysis of data
• Research activity report writing

Data Management and analysis

• Transcribing
• Data entry
• Cleaning data
• Coding qualitative data
• Data analysis: increasing complexity

Contribution to publications

• Co-author peer-reviewed paper, proposal (accepted for funding, ethics, or peer-reviewed)
• Conference presentations
• Posters, chapters, technical report research briefs
• Policy briefs

Research Admin

• Filing of information / application of JDE system
• Logistics and planning data collection – bookings, car hire, etc.
• Keeping records of data collection
• Presentation / research dissemination
• Feedback to communities
• Report in project meetings (report on literature reviews / methods / designs / data analysis)
• Journal clubs / Seminars / Workshop / Presentations at national conferences

Core Requirements:

• Four-year Tertiary Qualification or Honours degree in related field (Sciences, Public health)
• Minimum of 3-years research related working experience
• Understanding of Good Clinical Practice or a valid certificate in Good Clinical Practice
• Computer literate and experienced in using electronic devices for data collection (tablet, laptop, smart phones)
• Be fully bilingual, English/Afrikaans or isiXhosa (be able to read, write and communicate fluently)
• In-depth knowledge of data collection, management and analysis
• Familiarization with a statistical software package
• Driver’s license

Added Advantages:

• Masters Degree
• Some published research manuscript(s)
• Lab-related data analysis specialization
• Previous experience working in non-communicable disease (NCD) research setting, also responsible for NCD-related data handling and quality control
• Project management skills or experience
• Demonstrate excellent technical and interpersonal skills
• Be willing to assist project staff in day to day tasks

Closing Date: 07 June 2023