The Health Systems Trust is an innovative non-profit organisation working to strengthen ongoing development of comprehensive health systems in southern Africa.
The Health Systems Trust (HST) wishes to appoint a Research Nurse for the ‘Females Rising through Education Support and Health’ (FRESH) Clinical Research Site in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
FRESH is a basic science research study that aims to characterise the immune response in the earliest stages of acute HIV infection (AHI), combined with a skills development programme.
This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable based on funding.
Responsibilities:
Ensure that all research study activities and sampling complies with human subjects’ research as outlined in ethics/IRB protocols.
Ensure a high degree of data integrity and study documentation completion.
Collect blood, mucosal and rectal swab samples on all study participants in accordance with the approved protocol.
Perform twice-weekly RNA PCR monitoring of HIV-negative study participants through finger-prick blood collection.
Notify the Principal Investigator (PI) when a new acute HIV infection (AHI) is identified. Maintain close communication through the entire process, requesting assistance when needed.
Transport blood and mucosal samples to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) lab.
Dispense early antiretroviral treatment (ART) and document the drugs dispensed, noting their expiry date, lot number, the number of pills dispensed, etc.
Counsel new acutely infected participants on issues related to AHI and educate them on the importance of ART adherence.
Perform and accurately document clinical examinations and history-taking.
Review lab results (Hb, FBC, VL, CD4, STI, pregnancy, Pap smear, etc.) on the day received and communicate the results to study participants.
Identify any abnormalities and discuss with the Principal Investigator.
Maintain thorough and accurate documentation and record-keeping, ensuring that all visit forms are filled completely and correctly.
Manage the data-clarification form process.
Ensure confidentiality and data security.
Monitor performance of clinical and counselling staff and communicate observations to the Programme Manager and PI for the purpose of performance reviews and disciplinary feedback.
Assume a leadership role within the clinical study team.
Create an on-call roster for FRESH staff (staff nurse or other lay staff) and review the roster with the Programme Manager.
Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications and Certifications:
Professional Nurse with current SANC (South African Nursing Council) registration.
Recognised HIV/AIDS counselling certification.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification.
Own vehicle and valid driver’s license. Must be a confident driver.
Minimum Experience:
Five years nursing experience with at least two years’ experience in phlebotomy.
Minimum of two years’ clinical research experience; clinical trials experience preferred.
Experience in implementing clinical research protocols; or comparable systems and operational management experience.
Experience implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Experience completing Clinical Research Forms (CRFs).
Experience working with research study monitors.
Experience managing data clarification forms (DCF) or data query forms.
Strong writing skills; capable of preparing study update reports and summaries.
Experience in HIV/AIDS care and support.
Strong knowledge of HIV infection, risk factors and disease progression.
Competencies:
Fluent in English and isiZulu.
Computer proficient with all MS Office programmes; strong Excel skills.
Able to manage study data and reports.
Excellent team leader and mentor.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work well under pressure and with a team.
Added Advantages:
Project management and data collection experience.
NIMART trained and certified.
Clinical trials experience.
A salary package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications will be offered.
Interested applicants should forward a detailed CV, stating the position applied for, together with the names and contact details (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three contactable referees, to [email protected].
Shortlisted caandidates will be requested to submit certified copies of all qualifications and identity documents.
Applications received after the closing date will not considered
E-mail users are requested to set the delivery option of their message on both ‘Return Receipt’ and ‘Confirm Delivery’.
Correspondence will be limmited to shortlisted candidates.
All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to reference and credential checks.
If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date on this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccesful.
HST reserves the right to not fill this position.
HEALTH SYSTEMS TRUST PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply
For more about HST, refer to https://www.hst.org.za/