Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) seeks a Social Science Research Assistant – Apply by 28 February 2026

Overview

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is seeking a Social Science Research Assistant (SSRA) to support qualitative research activities, including data collection, processing, and analysis for health interventions in Durban, South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit eligible study participants and conduct the informed consent process.
• Schedule, prepare for, and conduct in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
• Ensure accurate recording of qualitative sessions and reimburse participants according to protocol.
• Take detailed field notes and compile case summaries from interviews and discussions.
• Maintain accurate records of all data collection activities, ensuring compliance with research protocols.
• Attend training and debriefing sessions to remain updated on methodologies and study-specific procedures.
• Transcribe audio recordings of interviews and focus group discussions.
• Translate scripts from IsiZulu to English with accuracy, maintaining contextual and cultural fidelity.
• Participate in developing a coding framework for thematic analysis.
• Conduct preliminary coding and contribute to thematic summaries to support research teams.
• Assist with integrating qualitative insights into broader research outputs and reports.
• Facilitate or participate in public engagement activities that promote study objectives and ethical research practice.
• Support communication between research teams and local communities to ensure culturally sensitive practices.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Social Science or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in qualitative data collection, including IDIs, FGDs, and observation methods.
• Excellent proficiency in English and IsiZulu, both verbal and written.
• Valid driver’s license to support fieldwork.
• Experience in mixed-methods qualitative data collection with rigorous attention to detail.
• Familiarity with HIV-related research and long-term health conditions is highly desirable.
• Strong computer skills for data entry and management, including familiarity with research software packages.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of research ethics, confidentiality, and data integrity in sensitive public health studies.
• High personal motivation and self-management to operate in dynamic field settings.
• Effective communication skills to engage respectfully with diverse participant populations.
• Organizational skills, including record-keeping and time management.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in transcription, translation, and data handling.
• Problem-solving skills to navigate challenges in fieldwork or participant engagement.
• Flexibility to adapt to new research methods, workflows, and community contexts.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data with integrity.

Benefits

The SSRA contributes directly to high-impact studies, strengthens data quality and analysis, and supports evidence-based interventions for HIV and other health challenges in South Africa.

Location

Durban, South Africa

How to Apply

Apply via the provided link.

Deadline

February 28, 2026