SUMMARY:
Background:
- We envision a world where every person has equitable access to high-quality, stigma-free health care that protects dignity
- Our research drives innovation across health systems and priority public health challenges, moving beyond treatment towards prevention and wellbeing
- We bridge clinical science and implementation, creating sustainable, contextually relevant systems, digital tools, and predictive models that transform how care is delivered and accessed
- We strive to conduct innovative research that shapes global health practice, while building a research unit that is resilient and influential
- At SYNAPSE, our commitment is to accelerate science into action, delivering health solutions that last, matter, and reach everyone
POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job: To support the recruitment and retention of Participants for clinical research studies conducted by SYNAPSE Research Collective The role includes community-based recruitment and outreach, Participant follow-up and retention activities, and safe transportation of Participants and\/or Study staff as required All activities must be conducted in accordance with applicable study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), site procedures and ethical requirements Location: SYNAPSE Research Clinic, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg Key performance areas: Recruitment and community engagement Implement study-specific recruitment strategies in collaboration with line management and Study teams to support achievement of Participant recruitment targets Conduct community-based recruitment and outreach activities at approved recruitment locations Identify appropriate recruitment opportunities and locations in accordance with study-specific recruitment plans and ethics-approved procedures Engage appropriately with clinics, community organisations and other relevant Stakeholders to support Participant recruitment and referrals Provide potential Participants with accurate, protocol-approved information about relevant research studies Maintain accurate manual and electronic recruitment, referral and screening logs in accordance with project requirements Provide regular feedback to the Study team regarding recruitment activities, challenges and opportunities Participant education and support Explain study requirements and relevant study procedures to potential and enrolled Participants using approved study materials Facilitate Participant questions and refer clinical or study-specific questions to the appropriate member of the study team where required Support Participant information and informed consent processes where appropriately trained, delegated and permitted by the study protocol and site procedures Maintain Participant confidentiality, privacy and professionalism at all times Participant retention and follow-up Support the development and implementation of study-specific Participant retention strategies Monitor Participants visit schedules and identify Participants who are approaching or have missed scheduled study visits Confirm Participant visits through approved communication methods, including telephone calls and SMS, as directed by the Study team Conduct Participant tracing and approved home or community follow-up visits where required Maintain accurate records of Participant contact and retention activities in the appropriate manual and\/or electronic logs and source documentation Reconcile scheduled visits against Participant attendance and follow up outstanding Participants as required Identify social or practical barriers that may affect study participation and facilitate referral to appropriate services in consultation with the Study team Escalate Participant retention concerns or difficulties to the appropriate Study team member promptly Driving and Participant transport Safely transport Study Participants and\/or Study staff as required for study-related activities Drive site vehicles for community-based recruitment, Participant tracing, outreach and other authorised study activities Ensure the safe, professional and respectful transportation of Participants at all times Complete required vehicle, trip and mileage documentation accurately and timeously Conduct routine vehicle checks as required and promptly report vehicle defects, damage, incidents or safety concerns in accordance with site procedures Ensure responsible use and care of assigned study vehicles and compliance with applicable road traffic laws and organisational procedures Administration and reporting Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date recruitment and retention documentation Ensure daily, weekly and monthly recruitment and retention reports are completed and submitted timeously, as required Update relevant study logs, source documents and other study documentation as required and within the scope of delegated duties Assist with day-to-day Participant-related activities and study logistics as required Ensure that Participant information and study documentation are handled confidentially and securely Self-management and teamwork Take ownership and accountability for assigned tasks and demonstrate effective self-management Ensure that the quality and productivity of own work is consistently maintained Inform the relevant team member promptly when tasks or deadlines cannot be met and contribute to identifying appropriate solutions Work collaboratively with Study and Clinic teams to achieve recruitment, retention and study objectives Communicate professionally and appropriately with Participants, colleagues, Community Stakeholders and other Partners Maintain high standards of confidentiality, professionalism and respect Respond constructively to feedback and contribute positively to the functioning of the team Demonstrate reliability, flexibility and willingness to assist with study activities within the scope of the role Required minimum education and training: Matric\/Grade 12 Valid South African driver's license Ability to communicate effectively in English and isiZulu HIV management and\/or counselling training would be advantageous Willingness and ability to undertake regular community and field-based work Ability and confidence to drive safely in urban, peri-urban and community settings Required minimum work experience: At least one year's relevant work experience in community engagement, recruitment, counselling, Participant\/Client-facing services, administration or a related role Experience working directly with members of the community Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities: Previous experience in clinical research, HIV\/SRH programmes, community-based recruitment or Participant retention would be advantageous Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds Strong listening, communication and time-management skills Ability to work independently in community settings and as part of a multidisciplinary team Demands of the job: Regular work in both clinic and community\/field settings Regular driving and transportation of Participants and\/or Study staff Community and home visits may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and other environmental conditions Ability to work effectively in challenging community environments and engage respectfully with people from diverse background Ability to manage competing priorities and work toward study recruitment and retention targets Some flexibility in working hours may be required according to study, Participant and recruitment activities 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: 09 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
