Research Assistant / Research Officer

SUMMARY:
The UCT Lung Institute is seeking a Research Assistant / Research Officer to join its Centre for Child and Adolescent Lung Health (CHILD) Unit, to use scientific expertise to provide high level support to the Director.
 
The main purpose of this position is to use scientific expertise to provide high level support to the Director, including support for completion of grant applications, drafting scientific manuscripts, coordinating activities across existing studies, preparing presentations, maintaining CV and ongoing administrative support and tasks as required The research focus of the unit is on child health with core projects (1) Drakenstein child health study, a birth cohort study focused on the early life determinants of child health (2) paediatric TB studies (3) studies of childhood pneumonia and new preventive strategies (4) multicentre African studies of pneumonia, TB (5) HIV-adolescent cohort study of the spectrum of illness and determinants and (6) RSV prevention studies.
 
This role is offered under the University of Cape Town Lung Institute’s own employment terms and conditions, which are separate from UCT conditions of service.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements: Grade 12 \/ Matric or equivalent qualification Undergraduate qualification in a health-related discipline Postgraduate qualification in public health, epidemiology and\/or biostatistics Experience in a research environment\/or clinical experience related to child health would be advantageous Strong academic writing skills and experience drafting scientific manuscripts (advantageous) Experience with research grants management, grant applications and proposals (advantageous) Advanced computer skills including statistical analysis and data visualization tools (advantageous) Responsibilities include (but not limited to): Identify research funding opportunities and assist with preparing grant applications. Provide writing support for research proposals, protocols and scientific publications. Conduct literature reviews and prepare scientific presentations. Assist with developing and reviewing research project budgets. Support data analysis and reporting under the supervision of the Unit's data team. Assist with the preparation and submission of HREC applications, ethics approvals and progress reports. Maintain accurate and up-to-date research and clinical trial documentation. Liaise with national and international research collaborators and relevant stakeholders. Provide administrative and coordination support across research projects. Attend meetings, training and conferences as required. Travel to the Paarl site when required. Perform other reasonable research-related duties as assigned by management. Additional Information: 12-month Fixed Term Contract Monday to Friday | 40 hours per week (negotiable) Based at Redcross, Cape Town or Paarl as required Closing Date: 20 November 2026 Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven't heard from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT We are committed to equitable employment practices and diversity in the workplace. Appointments will be made in accordance with the University of Cape Town Lung Institute's Employment Equity Plan. POPIA STATEMENT Your personal information will be processed in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and used solely for recruitment purposes, including reference checks. By applying, you consent to this process. *Please Note: This Position is not on UCT Conditions of Service.