Research Officer (Medical Officer)
(12 Month Contract)
Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)
Faculty of Health Sciences
Infectious Diseases are the most pressing public health problems in Southern Africa. Tuberculous
meningitis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Cape Town. Applications are invited to join a
research team who will be conducting meningitis research in the areas of Khayelitsha and Mitchells
Plain.
This 12-month full-time contract post will be held at the Institute of Infectious Disease and
Molecular Medicine (IDM) (http://www.idm.uct.ac.za) within the Faculty of Health Sciences of the
University of Cape Town (UCT). The daily activities of this post will be 90% based at clinical research
sites in the community of Khayelitsha and 10% at the IDM.
Requirements:












MBChB degree
Experience in the diagnosis and management of central nervous system infectious diseases,
such as tuberculous meningitis and cryptococcal meningitis
Ability to perform a thorough neurological examination
Proficiency and independence in performing lumbar punctures
Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Computing skills appropriate for medical research
1 year or more experience of clinical work in a setting where HIV and TB are prevalent
Completed community service
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential
Good management skills
Valid driver’s license and owns motor vehicle
Advantageous:
 Fluency in isiXhosa
 Experience working on clinical research and clinical trials
 A high level of knowledge and experience in neurology clinical practice, such that the Medical
Officer could assess complex cases with neurological disorders and discuss with consultants
when appropriate
 Current accredited GCP certificate
 Track record of successfully working in a multidisciplinary clinical team
Responsibilities:
 Recruitment of study participants, clinical assessment and clinical follow-up of participants at
various health care facilities (e.g. Khayelitsha District Hospital and Mitchells Plain District
Hospital)
 Completion of all study related documentation according to GCP standards





Collection of study samples, including phlebotomy and lumbar puncture
Assisting with transport of specimens from clinical site as required
Liaising with senior medical and management staff at IDM and the management, supervision
and teaching of clinical research staff as needed
Presentations at departmental and hospital meetings
Oversight of data management at clinical sites
Start date: 12 Jan 2015
The annual cost of employment is R596 118.
Further information on the overall scope of our research is available at: http://www.idm.uct.ac.za and
http://www.cidri.uct.ac.za
Document1
Research Officer (Medical Officer)
(12 Month Contract)
Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)
Faculty of Health Sciences
Candidates may make informal enquiries in confidence via email to Dr Suzaan Marais at
marais.suzaan@gmail.com OR telephone 0795013242
Application process:
To apply, please e-mail the completed UCT Application form (HR201) and all other relevant
documentation as indicated on the form, with the subject line “Research Medical Officer” followed by
the reference number to Erika Morey at: erika.morey@uct.ac.za
Telephone: +27 21 4066389
Fax: +27 21 4066796
The application form can be downloaded at http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc
An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as
incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Reference number for this position:
I-3049
Closing date for applications:
21 Sep 2014
UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is
available at
http://www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf
Document1