Senior Researcher (Wits Rhi)

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.