Research Nurse (Including Lab Support - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract - Wits Health Consortium)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
• WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
• In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• To provide high-quality clinical care and conduct protocol-specified procedures for trial participants while supporting laboratory functions on site, ensuring participant safety, specimen integrity, accurate documentation, and compliant conduct of study visits in accordance with GCP and study protocols

• SYNPASE Research Clinic, Edendale Lay Ecumencial Center Clinic, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg

• Conduct all study-related clinical procedures in accordance with the protocol, SOPs, and GCP
• Perform participant assessments including medical history, symptom screening, vitals, pregnancy testing, and targeted physical exams where delegated
• Monitor participant safety, identify and manage adverse events, and escalate concerns to the Research Clinician/PI as required

• Prepare for and conduct participant study visits (screening, enrolment, follow-up, safety visits) according to protocol timelines
• Ensure informed consent/assent is obtained and documented correctly for all participants (and caregivers where applicable

• Collect biological specimens (e.g., blood, swabs, urine, sputum) in accordance with study protocols, GCP, and infection prevention standards
• Perform protocol-specific specimen processing procedures, including centrifugation, aliquoting, labelling, and temporary storage, within required timelines to maintain sample integrity
• Verify participant identifiers and ensure accurate specimen labelling to prevent misidentification or cross-contamination
• Maintain proper chain-of-custody documentation from point of collection through processing and transfer or shipment
• Ensure specimens are stored under appropriate temperature-controlled conditions and that temperature logs are completed and reviewed
• Complete and reconcile laboratory logs, requisition forms, source documents, and electronic tracking systems accurately and in real time
• Prepare and package specimens for shipment in accordance with protocol requirements, sponsor specifications, and applicable shipping regulations
• Identify, document, and promptly report specimen-related deviations, discrepancies, or equipment malfunctions to the study lead or laboratory supervisor
• Support laboratory readiness for monitoring visits, audits, and sponsor inspections by maintaining organised and up-to-date documentation

• Complete all source documents, CRFs, and electronic data entries (MACRO/REDCap or other EDC platforms) accurately and in real time
• Maintain organised participant files and study documentation (digital and hard-copy) in accordance with sponsor and WHC requirements
• Respond to and resolve data queries in collaboration with data management team

• Maintain professional, supportive interactions with participants to promote retention, safety, and adherence
• Communicate clinical management issues and participant safety concerns promptly to the Study Coordinator and Principal Investigator
• Attend regular study meetings, trainings, and debriefs
• Support onboarding and mentoring of junior or newly assigned trial staff where relevant

• Grade 12
• Diploma in Nursing or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required
• Qualified as a Professional Nurse
• Fluent in English and Isi-Zulu
• HIV Management and Counselling course will be advantageous
• Human Subjection Protection Certificate will be advantageous
• TRREE (Training and Resources in Research Ethics Evaluation) will be advantageous
• Good Clinical Practice Certificate will be an advantageous
• Experience with Electronic data systems (e.g RedCap) and Excel will be advantageous
• Knowledge of ALCOA + Principles
• Knowledge of Informed Consent Process
• Driver’s licence and able to drive manual vehicle

• Registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse

• 2-4 years’ experience in an a clinical trial setting
• 1-2 years’ experience in a research laboratory environment
• Experience in NIMART or ART clinic will be advantageous
• Ability to draw and process blood samples

• Proficient in a range of laboratory processing procedures
• Familiarity with lab equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Understanding of quality control, assurance processes, and temperature controlled storage of specimens
• Experience with stock management
• Good communication skills - for working with clinical staff, patients, and research coordinators

• 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: 13 March 2026
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

• 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

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.