Senior Research Technician- Seasoned (R614A) at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Responsibilities:

• Assist with coordinating the field team for screening and enrolment of participants at field sites
• Maintain high levels of data security, follow research data management processes, aligned to Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Safeguard research equipment
• Ensure that transport for the data collection team to the field is ready prior going to field
• Liaise with stakeholders (including participants, educators, healthcare staff, community)
• Assist with participant recruitment (including screening and consenting)
• Assist with development of field Standard Operating Procedures and training of field staff
• Set up field work at site.
• Assist with participant reimbursement as per Standard Operating Procedures
• Assist with community advisory board meetings.
• Signing in and out of equipment (e.g. tablets used for data capturing)
• Provide daily updates of fieldwork and data collection activities.
• Work with researchers to develop and implement retention strategies.
• Report at weekly project meeting on fieldwork progress.
• Ensure that fieldwork is documented accurately.

Core Requirements:

• Grade 12/NQF level 4
• At least 5 years’ fieldwork experience in public health studies
• Experience with liaising with external stakeholders
• Experience with enrolling participants into studies, obtaining consent/assent, qualitative and quantitative interviews.
• Proficient in REDCAP and MS Excel
• Fluent in English and isiZulu
• Code 08 Manual Drivers license
• Effective organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Willingness to travel within KwaZulu-Natal and between provinces.
• Ability to work outside normal working hours when required.

Advantageous:

• 1 -2 years’ experience in leading a field team.
• A certificate in HIV counselling
• Certificate in children/adolescent health research ethics
• Certificate in Gender and Health
• Effective organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Solve challenges as they arise during field work.