The University of Cape Town Lung Institute is seeking a Research Medical Officer to provide clinical leadership for the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS) at Paarl Hospital.
 
DCHS is a well-established, multi-year birth cohort study following approximately 1,000 mother-child pairs to investigate the epidemiology, causes and risk factors for childhood lower respiratory illness and their impact on child health, including the development of chronic respiratory disease.
 
This is an exciting opportunity to join an established, dynamic research team conducting pioneering work in the developmental origins of health. The successful candidate will lead clinical aspects of the study, oversee staff and site operations, and contribute to the academic and clinical research activities of the study.
 
This role is offered under the University of Cape Town Lung Institute’s own employment terms and conditions, which are separate from UCT conditions of service.

⭐ Requirements

• MBChB
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
• At least 1 year of experience as a sub-investigator in a research environment
• Experience with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) implementation
• Knowledge of Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC) requirements and procedures
• Experience with research study documentation requirements
• Knowledge of and experience in process development and management
• Knowledge of and experience in quality improvement management
• Knowledge of and experience in staff training and development
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Fluency in English & Afrikaans
• Valid South African driver's license

➕ Attributes

• Previous experience in clinical research coordination
• Knowledge of REDCap and STATA
• Additional qualifications in epidemiology and/or biostatistics

This role is suited to a clinically experienced medical professional who is passionate about research, quality improvement and child health, and who is able to provide both clinical leadership and operational support within a multidisciplinary research environment.
 
🚀 Responsibilities Include (but not limited to)

• Providing clinical leadership for all protocol-related activities, including oversight of data collection and quality control processes across three study sites in Paarl.
• Planning and operationalising clinical processes at the study site to ensure procedures are completed in accordance with the study protocol and that high-quality clinical data are collected.
• Developing, maintaining and reviewing electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs).
• Abstracting relevant clinical information from hospital and clinical folders.
• Providing clinical support to the Paarl operational team, including referral oversight, clinical process development, clinical training, competency assessments and implementation of clinical corrective action plans.
• Developing, maintaining and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensuring that staff are aware of and understand their study-related duties and responsibilities.
• Leading staff meetings and training workshops.
• Providing clinical input into study data, including clinical interpretation and support to data analysts.
• Contributing to ongoing quality improvement and effective study processes.

📍 Role Information:

• Based at Paarl Hospital, Paarl
• Part-time or full-time position
• Minimum of 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• 12-month fixed-term contract, renewable

If you are passionate about clinical research, child health and making a meaningful contribution to understanding the factors that shape lifelong health, we would love to hear from you.
 
⏳ Closing Date: 28 August 2026
 
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven’t heard from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
 
🔐 EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT
We are committed to equitable employment practices and diversity in the workplace. Appointments will be made in accordance with the University of Cape Town Lung Institute’s Employment Equity Plan.
 
🔐 POPIA STATEMENT
Your personal information will be processed in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and used solely for recruitment purposes, including reference checks. By applying, you consent to this process.
 
*Please Note: This Position is not on UCT Conditions of Service.