About the position
Background:
- Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
- WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
- In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics
More Info:
The MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), part of the Wits School of Public Health, is a leader in health and population research.
For over 30 years, we have supported critical studies that improve lives in underserved communities, underpinned by a robust health and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS).
Our team is embarking on an exciting EDCTP-funded project (IMCI-PLUS) to address paediatric pneumonia and combat antimicrobial resistance—a vital step toward reducing child mortality. This multi-country initiative spans South Africa, Tanzania, and Senegal, employing mobile ultrasound devices and AI-based interpretation tools to bridge diagnostic gaps
You’ll be part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary consortium working alongside top institutions, including EPFL, Swiss TPH, and the University of Stellenbosch, to bring about lasting change in healthcare
Division: Agincourt
Location:
- Tintswalo Hospital, Acornhoek, Mpumalanga
- Themba Hospital, Kabokweni, Mpumalanga
Main purpose of the job:
- As a Research Medical Officer, you’ll join a pioneering team committed to transforming paediatric healthcare in low-resource settings
- In this hands-on role, you’ll coordinate field operations at a hospital site in Mpumalanga, engage directly with Patients, conduct clinical assessments (including ultrasound), and ensure data is meticulously captured
- You’ll also have the chance to develop your skills in data analysis and manuscript writing, translating critical research into impactful publications and contributing to scientific advancements
- This position offers unique exposure to advanced diagnostic techniques, mentorship-driven learning, and potential academic developmentLocation: Tintswalo Hospital, Acornhoek, Mpumalanga
- Themba Hospital, Kabokweni, Mpumalanga
- The MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), part of the Wits School of Public Health, is a leader in health and population research. For over 30 years, we have supported critical studies that improve lives in underserved communities, underpinned by a robust health and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS). Our team is embarking on an exciting EDCTP-funded project (IMCI-PLUS) to address paediatric pneumonia and combat antimicrobial resistance—a vital step toward reducing child mortality. This multi-country initiative spans South Africa, Tanzania, and Senegal, employing mobile ultrasound devices and AI-based interpretation tools to bridge diagnostic gaps. You’ll be part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary consortium working alongside top institutions, including EPFL, Swiss TPH, and the University of Stellenbosch, to bring about lasting change in healthcare
Key performance areas:
Clinical skills
- Complete specialized training in Lung Ultrasound and sample collection techniques
- Perform Lung Ultrasound and specimen collection following study protocols, ensuring accuracy and reliability
- Coordinate with senior clinicians to maintain high standards of data collection and image interpretation
- Collect, organize, and translate medical data from patient records into reliable study data
- Work closely with the lab team on specimen storage and transfer to the Wits-Agincourt Lab
- Facilitate communication of study procedures and findings with clinicians, patients, and the community
- Convene and moderate a panel of experts to determine likely diagnoses of participants based on collected data (e.g., clinical findings, radiography, ultrasound, biomarkers etc)
- Maintain positive relationships with local health authorities, hospital staff, and the Department of Health
Project Site Management & Administration
- Lead and support a diverse Field team to meet recruitment and follow-up targets
- Oversee on-site data quality checks, manage consent forms, and resolve data issues with the Data Manager
- Maintain site documentation according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
- Update, enforce, and comply with site protocols and instructions
- Organize and lead regular project meetings and assist with ethics applications and related documentation
- Collaborate with Wits-Agincourt Unit Scientists on administrative needs and team coordination
Communication
- Provide progress updates to Study Investigators and PIs
- Meet regularly with Scientific staff to share insights and discuss project developments
Scientific output
- Collate project statistics regularly
- Present project progress at weekly study meetings
- Contribute to, and occasionally lead, the preparation of manuscripts based on research findings to build a strong scientific portfolio
Required minimum education and training:
- MBChB, with demonstrated clinical proficiency
- HPCSA registration
Required minimum work experience:
- Minimum of 2 years’ clinical experience, with some exposure to research and/or management
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
- This role is site-based, requiring daily attendance at the clinical field site (no remote work possible)
- The ability to manage priorities in a dynamic environment is essential
- Flexibility with working hours may occasionally be required to meet project needs
TO APPLY:
- Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for with Certified copies of your qualifications, ID and driver's license and HPCSA registration
- 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: 28 September 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:
- Medical Officer
- Research
- GCP
- HPCSA
- Communication Skills
- Clinical Skills
- Mpumalanga
