Research Study Assistant (Wits VIDA)

About the position

Main purpose of the job:

• The primary purpose is to recruit and ensure the retention of study participants in line with the study protocol
• To perform administrative duties and assist the study team with ad hoc administrative duties

Location:

• VIDA - Mafikeng Provincial Hospital – Northwest Province

Key performance areas:

Recruitment of Participants

• Assist the Medical Officer in recruiting participants according to study inclusion/exclusion criteria
• 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 empathize with them
• Report on the number of participants recruited daily to the team leader

Administration

• Ensure that ICF and source documents are completed and signed correctly
• Ensure that consent forms are accurately completed and signed by all parties
• Extract maternal and infant participant files from the MPH records department
• File all participant documents according to the study requirements (alphabetic/numeric order) and ensure all forms are submitted to the relevant data capturers daily
• Photocopy participant files as and when required
• Follow GCP guidelines when completing participant visit forms
• Complete telephone logs for all calls made to participants
• Completing file request forms to obtain and copy participant files as and when required
• Assist the medical officer in identifying neonatal/ pediatric cases and controls in the wards following the identification of cases from the NHLS laboratory
• Conduct stationary stock takes and advise management of stock to be ordered
• Provide relevant staff with stationary ordered
• 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

• Call participants to complete 90 days and 180 days of follow-up questionnaires
• Follow up on missed visits and complete the necessary feedback logs
• Conduct home visits if follow-up calls are unsuccessful if required

Effective self-management and performance ownership

• 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 of driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities

Customer Service

• Communicate with external stakeholders around compliance issues as and when required
• Ensure all customer interaction (Both internal and external customers) is 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

Required minimum education and training:

• Matric/Grade 12
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 1-2 years work experience in a research environment

Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities:

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer literacy including Microsoft (MS) Word and MS Excel (beneficial)
• High-level problem-solving ability needed
• Exceptional self-management
• Conscientious work ethic
• Above-average attention to detail required
• Motivated, organized, systematic and professional
• Should be able to work under pressure with efficient multitasking

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.
• 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: 10 May 2024.
• Note AJ Personnel is fully POPI compliant.
• 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.

Desired Skills:

• Communication
• Computer Skills
• Healthcare
• Medical
• Research

About The Employer:

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.

Employer & Job Benefits:

• Medical Aid Contribution
• Provident Fund Contribution