Clinical Research Assistant at University of the Free State

We, University of the Free State are seeking for a highly motivated, detailoriented, thorough, and organised clinical research assistant to join our ARV drugmonitoring programme in children (ARV Paediatric Registry). In this position, you will play a key role in obtaining or collecting medical information directly or from hospital records, from children who are using or were exposed to ARV drugs during pregnancy. You will be part of a team working in the outlying clinics, where, as the interface between the study personnel and patients, you will communicate the study to patients for recruitment and for their continued participation in the study. You will organise patients’ schedules for follow up and manage your site office activities to ensure accurate recording and safe data keeping as well as safe transfer of data to the pharmacovigilance centre. You will work under the guidance of a Clinical Research Coordinator.

This is a oneyear contract appointment with a possibility of renewal subject to performance and availability of funds. Although based in the Department of Pharmacology, the incumbent will work in the outlying clinics to collect patient information.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Plan, implement and complete clinical research activities in accordance with Good Clinical Practice and Standard Operating Procedures at the study site or clinic.
• Arrange logistics and workflow at the study site or clinic.
• Recruit study participants and maintain records of all participants.
• Interview participants (infants and their mothers, and children).
• Obtain consent from parents/guardians and assent from minors to participate in the study and ensure that all study participants have signed appropriate consent/assent documents.
• Record essential data on the relevant forms/questionnaires (case report forms) meticulously and on time (promptly).
• Maintain clear communication channels with the study team and routine clinic staff.
• Ensure patient confidentiality.
• Follow up of patients.
• Ensure safekeeping of patients’ information and/or records.
• Manage the site office.
• Perform other appropriate duties that may arise and consequent to approval by the supervisor or Principal Investigator.
  
  

Inherent requirements:

• A Pharmacist Assistant or a Nursing qualification (NQF 6). 
• Registration with the South African Pharmacy Council/ South African Nursing Council.
• A minimum of one (1) year clinical/practical experience in a relevant clinical environment.
  
  

Recommendations:

• Current Good Clinical Practice certificate. 
  
  

Required competencies: 

Business acumen.

• Punctual, wellorganised and responsible work ethics.
• Ability to read and understand patient prescriptions or records.
• Comfortable in discussing with patients and health care providers on health and medical topics.
• Willingness and availability to work flexible work hours should the project require it. 
• Basic computer literacy in using MS Excel and MS Word.
• Willingness to work in clinics in the rural areas (the work is 100% in the rural clinics).

Results orientated.

• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking.

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Leading.

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. 
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a goodnatured attitude, and encourage people to work together.

Building coalitions.

• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
  
  

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.



Salary:

The basic salary per annum is R191 124.00 – R245 823.00 depending on the budget available for the position, experience and qualifications

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9810/ 9813/ 9857 or email Recruit@ufs.ac.za