SUMMARY:
An Epidemiologist vacancy is available at our Client, Wits Health Consortium's Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (Wits VIDA) in Soweto, Johannesburg - Gauteng.
POSITION INFO:
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 to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD).
Current studies and projects include infant rotavirus and BCG trials, immunizing pregnant women to protect their infants against disease (including influenza, Group B streptococcus, and respiratory syncytial virus), and the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) initiatives.
In 2020, VIDA commenced two international trials on COVID-19 vaccines amongst several other COVID-19 studies. World Health Organization position papers directly refer to the work conducted by RMPRU and have used such data generated to inform policy and recommendations for vaccine implementation globally and here in South Africa.
By combining clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological expertise in an African setting, the unit has made significant contributions in vaccine development against the leading respiratory and enteric pathogens contributing to under-5 childhood morbidity and mortality in Africa and other low and middle-income countries.
Main purpose of the job
- To provide epidemiology and data analysis support including research project implementation and management, data analyses and writing up of scientific manuscripts for peer-review publication
Location
- Wits Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto
Key performance areas
1. Analyse research data
- Perform data analysis, prepare tables and write up methodologies used and results
- Contribute to and prepare publications
- Compile relevant reports and research findings to address questions that transpired from meetings, the management or donors’ requests
2. Research development, design and implementation
- Write research proposals and, when required, funding proposals
- Write research protocols and SOPs for studies
- Engage Community Advisory Groups regarding research studies
- Monitor the progress of research projects through ongoing liaison with Study Coordinators
- Provide expert advice and guidance on research database design, review specifications and testing plan (if applicable)
3. Capacity development
- 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 i.e. Journal Clubs, Writing Series, VIDA Research Methodology Course
- Supervise postgraduate degree students (local and international) in the development and completion of their research reports
4. Staff management
- Attend to all staffing requirements and administration
Required minimum education and training
- Masters degree in Epidemiology
- PhD will be an added advantage
Required minimum work experience
- Minimum 5 years working experience as an epidemiologist in a research environment
Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities
- 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, respectful and non-judgmental
- 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
- Certification in good clinical practice
Critical demands of the role
- Practical experience in designing and conducting research studies utilizing different study methodologies
- Demonstrated ability in designing appropriate research studies whose design/methodology suits the desired study outcomes
- Good understanding of data management principles to enable/facilitate timeous and effective data collection, management and cleaning
- Demonstrated practical ability in complex data analyses methodologies
- Highly competent in using data analyses software (STATS/SAS/R) for data management, cleaning and analyses
- Competent in generating analytical datasets and/or results tables to answer specific research questions
- Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary research teams
- Proven publication record (at least 3 first author peer-reviewed manuscripts)
- Demonstrated knowledge in GCP and research ethics including the ability to compile research ethics approval documents
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- 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
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 is 15 July 2021.
- 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.
- In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.
Please note that AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.
NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.
