Pietermaritzburg: Research Clinician (Medical Doctor – 12 Month Sessional Contract – Wits Health Consortium)

Main purpose of the job: To deliver clinical care and oversee protocol-driven trial procedures, ensuring safe and compliant study implementation, and to contribute to data interpretation and scientific outputs as appropriate Location: Edendale Lay Ecumencial Center Clinic, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg Key performance areas: 1. Clinical Care & Participant Safety Provide high-quality clinical care to trial participants, including history-taking, targeted physical examinations, prescribing or dispensing (as delegated), treatment, and referral Ensure timely evaluation, management, and documentation of adverse events in accordance with protocol, SOPs, and GCP Review laboratory results, interpret findings, and initiate appropriate follow-up or escalation Maintain accurate, complete, and real-time medical record keeping across source notes, CRFs, and electronic data systems Oversee participant flow and ensure clinical services are delivered efficiently and safely 2. Study Implementation & Protocol Compliance Implement all study procedures according to the protocol, SOPs, ethical requirements, and SAHPRA/GCP guidelines Conduct clinical assessments required for screening, enrolment, and follow-up visits Ensure high-quality documentation through review, query resolution, and proactive QC of source documents Support preparation for and participation in monitoring visits, audits, and regulatory inspections Resolve clinical and data queries from internal and external monitors within required timeline 3. Clinical Oversight & Team Support Provide day-to-day clinical oversight of nursing staff and support teams to ensure safe, compliant delivery of trial activities Train and mentor staff on clinical procedures, protocol requirements, and documentation expectations Identify performance or compliance gaps among clinical staff and support corrective actions and capacity building Promote teamwork, clear communication, and effective coordination across clinic and study team 4. Research Conduct & Quality Assurance Contribute to development, review, and implementation of clinical SOPs and study-related tools Conduct regular quality assurance checks of clinical documentation, protocol adherence, and participant safety processes Monitor study progress, enrolment, and visit completion indicators; contribute to monthly progress updates Participate in all phases of the research process as appropriate to role, including study start-up, implementation, close-out, and reporting 5. Regulatory & Ethical Responsibilities Support preparation and submission of ethics and regulatory documents (e.g., protocol amendments, safety reports) Ensure all study procedures uphold participant rights, confidentiality, and informed consent requirements Maintain oversight of referral pathways and liaise with external clinical services as needed 6. Reporting, Writing & Dissemination Contribute to study progress reports and stakeholder updates as required Support data interpretation, clinical insights, and sections of manuscripts or conference abstracts when appropriate Participate in internal dissemination activities, clinical discussions, and stakeholder feedback sessions Engage in limited grant or proposal writing contributions, aligned with PI guidance and available level of effort 7. General Administration & Leadership Support staffing needs, scheduling, and clinic workflow planning Perform performance development inputs for supervised staff as required Maintain a positive, collaborative working environment and uphold SYNAPSE/WHC values and conduct standard Required minimum education and training: Medical Degree (MBCHB) Qualified as Medical Doctor Registered with HPCSA Required minimum work experience: At least 1-3 years of clinical experience, preferably including work in HIV, sexual and reproductive health, or primary health care settings Experience in clinical trials or research setting is strongly preferred Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities: Experience working in public health, clinical research, or clinical trials – preferably in HIV or preventive health Postgraduate training or progress toward a Masters degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related research field will be an advantage Additional certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research ethics, or clinical research methodology Training in HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, or infectious diseases is advantageous Experience contributing to manuscripts, abstracts, or conference presentations Skills & Personal Abilities: Strong organisational, administrative, and time-management skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Analytical and systematic approach to clinical documentation and research procedures Strong interpersonal skills; tactful, respectful, non-judgmental, and participant-centred Able to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team Confident, assertive, and able to provide clinical leadership when required Demonstrated academic output (e.g., publications or conference presentations) is an advantage TO APPLY: Only if you mee t 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: 22 December 2025 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