About the position
Background:
- The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa’s health challenges
- It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology
Main purpose of the job:
- To contribute to the data science components (data management, statistical support for the conduct, design, conceptualization and analysis) of research projects in the Implementation Science Department, with a project specific focus on CATALYST
Location:
- 7 Esselen Street, Hillbrow, Johannesburg
Key performance areas:
Lead and oversee research data science components (data management, statistical analysis)
- Review research protocol and obtain background of the study
- Develop the analysis plan
- Work with the data management team in the development and implementation of data management plans (tools, SOPs, database design and storage)
- Provide expert advice and guidance on research database design, review specifications and testing plan (if applicable)
- Ensure the alignment of different data sources collected across projects
- Present the analysis plan to relevant stakeholders and obtain feedback and revise as required
- Perform data analysis, prepare tables and write up methodologies used and results
- Contribute to the design and preparation of DSMB or audit reports
- Contribute to and prepare publications
- Compile relevant reports and research findings to address questions that transpired from meetings, management or donors’ requests
- Disseminate research results in appropriate manner
- Stay abreast with literature relevant to research activities and statistical methodologies within the organisation
Contribute to the development, design and implementation of research projects
- Conceptualise and design research projects such as meta-analyses (self-initiated or commissioned)
- Conduct literature review to determine what research has been done and what the gaps in knowledge are
- Write research proposals and, when required, funding proposals
- Contribute to the development of research protocols
- Collaborate closely with other investigators on related studies within the cluster and provide advice or guidance on study design, protocol, research tools, data analysis and other research related activities
Capacity development (Internal and External)
- Mentor and capacitate other team members/researchers/data managers
- Contribute towards the development of knowledge within the team by identifying relevant training needs and topics
- Develop relevant training material and presentations
- Conduct ad hoc research training interventions
- Participate and actively contribute to the local and regional forums
- Participate actively in the research leadership groups and forums as required
- Supervise postgraduate degree students (local and international) in the development and completion of their research reports
- Effective ownership and self-management
- Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate 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 by participating in ongoing training and development activities such as forums, conferences, policy setting workshops etc.
Required minimum education and training:
- Master’s Degree in Biostatistics
- PhD would be desirable
- Valid driver’s license (own transport)
Required minimum work experience:
- Minimum 3-5yrs Research experience as a Statistician
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
- Actively contribute to the design and organization of new research, including the preparation of research protocols, sampling methods, questionnaire design and data handling procedures
- Provide expert advice on the management and editing of data from studies and their preparation for statistical analyses
- Undertake statistical analyses of data from observational studies and prepare the results for publication
- Contribute to disseminating research results using appropriate channels including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and engagement with policy-makers
- Contribute to the preparation of new grant proposals
- Practical experience in conducting research using various methodological designs
- Experience in data analysis (longitudinal data sets) and publication writing
- Familiarity with statistical software, particularly STATA
- Systematic and analytical in approach to research - Tactful and respectful
- 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 diverse / multidisciplinary team
- Assertive, confident and adaptable
TO APPLY:
- Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV Plus a Cover letter (one pager) stating why you are applying for the position
- Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and 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
- 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
- Closing date: 14 May 2026
- Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date
Please note:
- WHC, in accordance with its 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
- AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
- AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position
Desired Skills:
- Research
- Data Management
- Statistical Software
- Biostatistician
- Masters degree
- PhD
- Hillbrow
