The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-ZIM) at the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) is recruiting for research roles supporting the RESTORE Study in Zimbabwe.
The Qualitative Research Assistant will support formative research and process evaluation activities, working closely with the Principal Investigator and wider RESTORE study team.
About BRTI and THRU-ZIM
The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-ZIM) at the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) is recruiting a Qualitative Research Assistant / Social Scientist to support the RESTORE Study in Zimbabwe.
The mission of BRTI is to promote the health and quality of life of the peoples of Africa through research and training in biomedicine, with an emphasis on quality, professionalism, ethical standards and efficiency.
About the RESTORE Study
The RESTORE Study is a cluster-randomised controlled trial assessing the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a rehabilitation-focused intervention for people with tuberculosis in Zimbabwe.
The intervention integrates services for mental health, diabetes, nutrition, smoking cessation and pulmonary health into routine TB care.
Job Summary
- Employer: BRTI Zimbabwe
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-09-29
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with recruitment of participants for interviews, focus groups and surveys.
- Coordinate scheduling and communication with participants and stakeholders.
- Liaise with the community advisory board to inform programme design and delivery.
- Support informed consent processes and ensure ethical procedures are followed.
- Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with TB patients, family members, healthcare providers and other stakeholders.
- Write summaries during focus group discussions and interviews.
- Transcribe and translate qualitative data according to study protocols.
- Assist in preparing study materials, including information sheets, consent forms and topic guides.
- Arrange logistics for data collection activities, including venues, transport reimbursements and refreshments.
- Maintain participant logs using study systems.
- Ensure secure storage and confidentiality of research data.
- Assist with preliminary coding and organisation of qualitative data.
- Summarise notes and transcripts to support analysis.
- Contribute to progress reports, study documentation and peer-reviewed publications.
- Attend regular meetings with the study team and wider study team.
- Support the design, data collection, recording of data and writing up of results.
- Provide additional support as required for the smooth implementation of needs assessment activities.
Requirements
- Degree in anthropology, sociology, psychology, social science, social work or a related field.
- At least 2 years’ qualitative research experience in Zimbabwe or Southern Africa.
- Proficiency in both Ndebele and Shona , written and oral.
- Experience organising research visits, including recruitment of research participants.
- Experience developing topic guides, conducting qualitative interviews and facilitating focus groups.
- Experience in transcription, translation and anonymisation of qualitative data.
- Knowledge of sound ethical practice in research and experience navigating ethical challenges.
- Experience reporting progress to study teams and providing written summaries.
- Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills.
- Experience analysing qualitative data and writing up analysis for publications.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
- Class 4 driver’s licence.
- Willingness and ability to travel outside Harare for fieldwork.
How to Apply
Apply by email: thruzim_tb@outlook.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to apply for a Qualitative Research Assistant role at a Zimbabwean research institute like BRTI?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, or Public Health. A Master's degree is often preferred for competitive positions. Prior experience with qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, or thematic analysis is highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Qualitative Research Assistant in Zimbabwe?
Daily tasks include conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in local communities, transcribing audio recordings, and coding qualitative data using software like NVivo. You will also assist with participant recruitment, maintain field notes, and contribute to report writing. Field travel to rural or peri-urban areas is common.
How does the work culture at Zimbabwean research institutions typically operate?
Work culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and collaborative teamwork across diverse academic backgrounds. You will likely work closely with international partners, requiring adaptability and strong English communication skills. Flexibility is essential as fieldwork schedules often shift based on community availability and seasonal factors.
What career progression opportunities exist for social science researchers in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Research Officer, Project Coordinator, or Study Manager roles. Many professionals pursue further studies or transition into policy advisory positions with government or NGOs. Building a publication record and grant management experience significantly accelerates progression.
What benefits should I expect from a full-time research position in Zimbabwe?
Standard benefits typically include annual leave, sick leave, and some form of medical aid or health insurance, though coverage varies by employer. Pension contributions through NSSA or private schemes are common. Research roles may also offer professional development allowances and conference travel opportunities.
What do Zimbabwean employers look for in a strong application for this role?
Employers prioritize demonstrated qualitative research experience, strong writing samples, and references from academic or research supervisors. Highlight any community engagement work and proficiency in local languages such as Shona or Ndebele. Tailor your application to show understanding of Zimbabwe's health or social development context.
