Research Study Assistant – (24 Months Fixed Term Contract - Wits VIDA)

About the position

Background:

• The Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand, formerly RMPRU (Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit) has for over 20 years conducted numerous studies to assess the burden of and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD)
• Current studies and projects include infant rotavirus and BCG trials

Main purpose of the job:

• To recruit and ensure the retention of study participants in line with study protocols.
• To assist the study team with adhoc administrative duties to complete study participant visits

Location:

• VIDA - Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

Key performance areas:

Recruitment of participant

• Recruit participants according to study inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Do routine checks of clinical trial enrolment logs to identify and call eligible participants
• Reimburse study participants and maintain reimbursement logs
• Address relevant concerns and misconceptions about the study
• Receive queries from participants and address or refer the queries accordingly
• Establishing a relationship of trust and respect with participants
• Actively listen to participants and empathise with them
• Report on the number of participants recruited on a daily basis to the team leader at the end of the shift

Administration

• Ensure that Informed Consent Forms and source documents are completed and signed correctly by all parties
• File all participant forms according to the study requirements (alphabetic / numeric order) and ensure all forms are submitted to the relevant data capturers daily
• Scan and upload all study source documents
• Assist the study lead and team with ad-hoc administrative tasks as when required for study visits
• Follow GCP guidelines when completing participant visit forms
• Complete telephone logs for all calls made to participants
• Ensure all participants are called to book the study visit within the appropriate timelines
• Fill the photocopy machines with paper daily or as and when required
• Assist with ad hoc administrative duties such as filing and shredding

Follow Ups

• Follow up on missed visits and complete the necessary feedback logs
• Conduct home visits as and when required if follow-up calls are unsuccessful

Stock Control

• Conduct stationary stock takes and advise management of stock to be ordered
• Provide relevant staff with stationery ordered
• Liaise with the study administrator to ensure petty cash availability for participant reimbursement

Customer Service

• Communicate with external stakeholders around compliance issues as and when required
• Ensure all customer interaction (both internal and external customers) are of the highest professional level, e.g. Respond to emails/queries within two days
• Act in a professional and friendly manner in all dealings with internal and external stakeholders
• Build and maintain authentic relationships with all stakeholders ensuring that all interactions are professional
• Always show a high level of customer centricity

Effective self-management and performance ownership

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that the quality and productivity standards of one's 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 workshops, forums, conferences etc
• Apply knowledge of the organisational systems, structures, policies and procedures to achieve results
• Provide appropriate resolution for tasks or deadlines not me
• Support and drive the organisation’s core values

Required minimum education and training:

• Grade 12
• Good Clinical Practice Certificate

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of work experience in participant Healthcare Recruitment, Research Admin environment

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Confidentiality, tact, and discretion must be maintained at all times
• Ability to manage self and prioritise own workload
• Self motivated, able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Stress Management
• Certification in advanced driving
• Customer-oriented and tactful

TO APPLY:

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
• 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: 25 March 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:

• Communication
• Administration
• Customer Service
• GCP
• Research Study Assistant
• Matric
• REcruitment