Research Assistant at UNC Global Projects

The University of North Carolina – Global Projects Zambia (UNC-GPZ) is conducting a study to exhaustively document the course and outcomes of labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period in settings where the occurrence of adverse birth outcomes is high. The Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting assigned study procedures and adhere to procedural and international guidelines for research conduct for the purpose of achieving study objectives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to the following):

Study Procedures

• Conduct assigned study procedures and adhere to procedural and international guidelines for research conduct. Activities may include:
  • Recruiting participants, including participant sensitization/education
  • Completing data collection forms
  • Obtaining participant locator information
  • Tracking participant status
  • Organizing participant files
  • Following up on participants who require interim visits of who have missed appointments
  • Performing self-quality checks (QC) in a timely manner
• Maintain strict participant confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Be accountable and responsible for study resources and supplies, such as data collection forms, participant files, study equipment, and facilities.
• Perform any other duties/responsibilities necessary for the successful implementation and functioning of the study

Communication

• Communicate with fellow staff members openly and honestly about study progress, issues, and/or problems that may arise.
• Actively participate in problem solving.
• Work collegially as part of the study team.
• Effectively collaborate with the community and UTH/district staff as necessary.
• Report all community misconceptions about research and address any concerns in an expeditious manner to the SRN and/or Study Coordinator.
• Provide high quality service to participants by maintaining pleasant relationships at all times and attending to participants in a timely manner.
• Be responsive to enquiries from partners and family members as required.

Training

• Regularly attend study meetings.
• Complete all required study training, including routine Human Subject Protection and Good Clinical Practices training.
• Acquire and maintain an in-depth knowledge of the study protocol.

SPECIAL SKILLS/COMPETENCES

• Must have excellent, communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills
• Must perform high quality work at all times
• Able to organize and schedule multiple work-related tasks efficiently
• Fluent in Nyanja and Bemba

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma with 2 years of experience in research and/or community education or full
• Grade 12  certificate  with 5 years of experience
• Certificate in counseling or related field