Social Scientist (Wits RHI)

Background:

• The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa’s health challenges
• It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology

Main Purpose of the Job:

• To coordinate Social Behavioural Sciences (SBS) research: Conduct surveys and interviews; analyse quantitative and qualitative research data; facilitate achievement of deliverables according to protocols and project plans; and participate in publishing scientific articles informed by the research outputs

Location:

• 57 Klein Street Hillbrow, Johannesburg

Key Performance Areas:

Research Management

• Research studies implemented in accordance with approved protocols, timelines and project plans
• High quality quantitative and qualitative data collected, analysed and reported
• Accurate and complete study documentation, filing and archiving maintained
• Regulatory, ethical, Donor and organisational compliance requirements met
• Project reports submitted accurately and within agreed deadlines
• Effective Stakeholder, community and government engagement maintained
• Data quality standards achieved through implementation of quality assurance and control measures
• Research deliverables completed within approved budgets and timelines
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training and research processes implemented effectively

Publications

• Scientific manuscripts drafted, reviewed and submitted for publication
• Peer-reviewed publications produced in line with project objectives
• Policy briefs, abstracts and conference presentations developed and disseminated
• Academic outputs and research visibility increased
• Publications-related administration completed accurately and timeously
• Research findings translated into knowledge products that inform policy and practice

Effective Self-Management and Performance Ownership

• Individual performance objectives achieved within agreed timelines
• High standards of work quality, productivity and accuracy maintained
• Continuous professional and academic development demonstrated
• Research portfolio strengthened through active participation in proposals, publications and academic activities
• Effective contribution to team learning, mentoring and knowledge sharing
• Organisational policies, procedures and values consistently upheld
• Appropriate corrective actions implemented when objectives or deadlines are not met

Required Minimum Education and Training:

• Master's Degree in the Social and/or Behavioural Sciences, PhD is preferred

Required Minimum Work Experience:

• Five years’ experience working in a social science research environment and/or medical research with social science components
• Will be required to contribute effectively to publications (demonstrated scientific writing skills and literature review experience required)

Desirable Additional Education, Work Experience and Personal Abilities:

• Peer-reviewed publications with first authored papers
• Advanced computer literacy with emphasis on working with NVivo or Dedoose, Excel and data analysis applications required
• Experience with facilitation, focus groups, key informant interviews and dynamic community and high-profile Stakeholder engagement important
• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills are required together with working knowledge of Microsoft Office

TO APPLY:

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page)
• 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: 30 October 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

Desired Skills:

• Social Scientist
• Research Management
• Publications
• Hillbrow
• PhD
• Masters degree
• Social Science

Employer & Job Benefits:

• Medical Aid
• Provident Fund

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