Background:
Wits Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (Wits MRU) aim to answer priority questions that will translate into improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes through expanding access to appropriate and acceptable health technologies and services
Our core research areas are contraception including barrier methods, HIV prevention, safer conception, menstrual management, postpartum depression, and other areas of sexual and reproductive health
Wits MRU engages in pivotal research conducted with vulnerable populations, including youth, sex workers, and residents of informal settlements
Using a range of methodologies, we conduct behavioural, operations and clinical research, actively partnering and involving communities and local structures
We also provide technical assistance, partnering with various stakeholders including the Department of Health and other NGO's to affect policy change and enhance best practice
We work with diverse Partners, Collaborators and Donors, including local and internationally based universities and research centres
Wits MRU was established in 2013 as a Division of the Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand in Parktown, Johannesburg
Wits MRU is based in Durban and was formerly the Durban Office of the RHRU (Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit) now WRHI (Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute)
Conduct innovative research that informs policy and programmes
Conduct research that supports the development of new technologies on sexual and reproductive health, HIV, and related diseases
Engage the community in informing research and improving service delivery
Wits MRU is a division of the Wits Health Consortium under the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University or the Witwatersrand
We are committed to supporting the millennium development goals aimed of gender equity, maternal and child health and combatting HIV
These guide our work which focuses on sexual and reproductive health with research being conducted in HIV prevention, contraception health service integration, and menstrual health
We conduct clinical, behavioural operations and implementation science research and support health strengthening including capacity building and technical support
To support and conduct a mixed-methods research study assessing User preferences and acceptability of sexual lubricants as potential HIV prevention products, from study implementation through to analysis and dissemination of findings
Wits MRU Durban - The Atrium, Overport
Study set up and preparation
Qualitative study implementation
Online survey implementation
Data analysis and interpretation
Scientific writing and dissemination
Research coordination and collaboration
PhD or equivalent Doctoral Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Science, Behavioural Science, Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV Research or a related discipline: completed within the last five years
Demonstrated experience in qualitative research methods, including interviews and/or focus group discussions
Experience in qualitative data analysis and use of relevant software, such as NVivo, [URL Removed] or MAXQDA
Experience in quantitative research
Scientific writing and communication skills
Evidence of peer-reviewed publications
Understanding of research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and responsible management of sensitive research date
Previous research experience in sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, contraception, sexual behaviour or related areas
Experience conducting research on sensitive topics relating to sexual health
Experience working with mixed-methods research designs
Experience engaging with communities and other Stakeholders in health research
Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV with copies of qualifications and registrations
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: 30 October 2026
Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date
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
Desired Skills:
Post Doctoral
Qualitative Data
Scientific Writing
Quantitative Research
Communication Skills
HIV Research
Overport KZN