Research Assistant (Two posts) at Stellenbosch University

Duties

• Performing all study activities according to the agreed protocols, SOPs and timeframes;
• Recruiting, consenting and enrolling study participants;
• Taking on tasks associated with oversight for protocol field implementation;
• Collecting quantitative (survey) data electronically (using tablets) and through headcounts;
• Collecting qualitative data through focus groups and in-depth interviews (using an audio recorder and field notes);
• Implementing discreet data analyses with the support of socio-behavioural science researchers;
• Co/Authoring academic manuscripts with the support of socio-behavioural science researchers;
• Liaising with the study coordinator on a regular basis;
• Maintaining high research standards, including data safety, integrity, and anonymity;
• Attending all necessary project trainings, meetings, and calls;
• Representing the interests of the research in community forums with integrity and transparency.

Job Requirements      

• Postgraduate degree in a social science (e.g., psychology, sociology, or public health);
• Experience in the research environment or in health care facilities;
• Experience in study recruitment and informed consent;
• Experience collecting quantitative and qualitative data;
• The ability to foster a collaborative relationship with health staff and research participants;
• The ability to speak, read and write English and Afrikaans or isiXhosa fluently;
• The ability to translate idiomatically from isiXhosa/Afrikaans to English without sacrificing nuance;
• Excellent written communication skills;
• Sound interpersonal skills and the ability to work within an interdisciplinary and diverse team;
• A goal-oriented disposition and the skills to solve problems independently and effectively;
• Excellent computer literacy with sound knowledge of the Microsoft package of programmes, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.