Job Description: Research Intern at Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)
The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), a leading African-led research institute housed within the University of the Witwatersrand, is seeking a dedicated Research Intern. Wits RHI focuses on key public health issues including HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology, offering impactful opportunities in clinical research.
Main Purpose of the Role
The Research Intern will support day-to-day research activities encompassing administration, laboratory work, data collection, quality control and assurance, community recruitment and retention, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements across various studies conducted at the Wits RHI Research Centre.
Location
7 Esselen Street, Hillbrow, Wits RHI Research Centre Clinical Research Site (CRS)
Key Responsibilities
- Assist Medical Technologists with stock control and document filing related to research studies
- Manage sample capture, storage, and shipping aligned with study protocols using LDMS
- Support Regulatory Officers during monitoring visits and maintain regulatory filing systems
- Coordinate GCP training to ensure staff compliance
- Promote studies and recruit participants through community outreach activities including presentations and media engagement
- Conduct participant screening, eligibility interviews, and consent administration in line with SOPs
- Ensure quality and accuracy in data transcription, Case Report Forms, and participant files
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control activities, including internal monitoring and corrective action coordination
- Transcribe and translate audio files from focus groups and interviews for research documentation
- Maintain effective communication with study teams and report on quality issues or protocol deviations
- Apply organizational policies and take charge of professional development through training and workshops
Required Education and Experience
- Degree in a health-related field
- Minimum of 1 year experience working within a clinical research environment
Desirable Skills and Attributes
- Strong confidentiality, tact, and discretion
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills with strict adherence to protocols
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, empathetic to vulnerable populations including HIV positive and negative patients
- Computer literacy proficient in Microsoft Office and database management
- Fluency in English (Zulu an advantage)
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research regulatory compliance