View more
11 hours ago
Period of engagement: 1 year with a possibility of extension by six months depending on availability of funding About the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) The BRTI was registered in Zimbabwe in 1995 as a non-profit making organization under Section 22 of the Companies Act (Reg. No.1676/95). The Institute implements research projects and provides training and support services in public health, biomedicine and health research mostly focusing on HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and operational research. Its mission is to promote the health and quality of life of the peoples of Zimbabwe and the Southern Africa Development Community SADC region through fostering research, training and research informed interventions in all fields that are relevant to essential national health needs. The main role of the BRTI is to provide the support that researchers in all aspects of health need to become effective in influencing policy. About the STOP study Full title: Single Dose Penicillin Treatment Strategies for Syphilis in Pregnancy (STOP) The STOP trial is an individually randomised, open-label controlled trial embedded within antenatal care services in Harare, Zimbabwe. Pregnant women aged 16 years and older between 14 and 34 weeks’ gestation will be eligible to be in the study if they have active syphilis, defined as a positive HIV DUO test result for syphilis and a positive non-treponemal result on the Chembio DPP Screen and Confirm test. Gestational age will be confirmed through Last Normal Mensural Period (LNMP). Women must intend to reside in Harare through delivery and for 12 months postpartum, given the need for longitudinal follow-up. Blood samples will be collected from the mother and her new born baby within 72 hours of delivery to test for the presence of syphilis and identification of treponema pallidum.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Healthcare & Medical
- Closing Date: 2026-07-29
Key Responsibilities
- Recruiting potential study participants.
- Obtaining informed consent from eligible study participants.
- Testing for syphilis to confirm active syphilis.
- Sample collection from the mother during pregnancy and post-delivery.
- Ability to do collect a DBS Finger prick for PK analysis.
- Blood collection from the neonate at 72hrs, venous sample.
- Completing timely data collection, with accurate data entry into ODK on pre-programmed study tablets.
- Timely resolution of queries.
- Treatment of mothers with benzathine penicillin according to their study arm
- Ability to identify side effects/reactions to treatment given (benzathine penicillin) and give antidote.
- Performing physical examination of the mother (anthropometrics and vaginal examinations where indicated), and the child within 72 hrs of birth to include birthweight, MUAC, head circumference, length, and collecting a blood sample to test for syphilis, collecting a nasal swab to test for treponema pallidum
- Treatment of all babies exposed to syphilis with benzathine penicillin
- Be able to help participant with partner notification issues
- Preforming any other study activities as needed
- Be fully conversant with the study protocol and any amendments that may be issued
- To act as a clinically competent research nurse who is willing to learn new ways of syphilis treatment and treatment of other STIs in pregnant women.
- Collect samples as per protocol (both the mother and baby)
- Liaising with other health care workers at the clinic for effective and smooth running of the research clinics.
- Ensuring that participants are correctly assigned to the randomised arm and managed correctly according to the arm.
- Correct and complete data collection from participant and maternal and neonatal booklets
- Treatment of participants as expected
- Refer those needing treatments or further assessments
- Making sure the clinic has adequate stocks of all required sundries and drugs for the efficient running of the clinic
- Maintaining accurate data records
- Monitoring and performing of accurate study measurements
- Maintenance of data collection tools i.e. tablets, cell phones and books
- Carrying out other tasks which may occasionally be necessary, and appropriate to the post, as determined by the line manager.
Requirements
- Degree or diploma in general nursing
- Diploma in Midwifery.
- Valid practicing certificate
- Valid GCP Certificate
- At least 1 year experience working in a research environment
- Experience of organising and running research activities independently with minimal supervision.
- Self-motivated, proactive, innovative, and able to use initiative where appropriate
- A kind, respectful and understanding approach to pregnant women
- Experience working in maternity units or previous work with pregnant women.
- Willing to work during weekends and public holidays
- Must be fluent in Shona and English
- Able to do blood draws for neonates.
- Experience working in local authorities’ council clinics
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential qualifications and certifications required for a Research Nurse in Zimbabwe?
Typically, you'll need a Registered General Nurse (RGN) diploma or degree, valid registration with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe, and a current practicing certificate. Prior experience in clinical research, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and phlebotomy skills are highly advantageous for this role.
What does a Research Nurse typically do on a day-to-day basis at a Zimbabwean biomedical research institute?
Daily tasks involve patient recruitment, obtaining informed consent, administering study medications, collecting clinical data, and performing study-specific procedures like vital signs and sample collection. You will also meticulously maintain accurate documentation and ensure strict adherence to research protocols.
What is the typical work culture and expectations for Research Nurses in a Zimbabwean research setting?
The work culture often emphasizes professionalism, meticulous adherence to research protocols, and strong teamwork within a multidisciplinary environment. Punctuality, strong ethical conduct, and effective communication with both participants and the research team are highly valued.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Research Nurse in Zimbabwe?
Experienced Research Nurses can advance to Senior Research Nurse, Clinical Research Coordinator, or even take on roles in quality assurance or training within research organizations. Further education, such as a Master's in Public Health or Clinical Research, can open doors to research management positions.
What typical benefits can a Research Nurse expect from an employer like a biomedical research institute in Zimbabwe?
Common benefits usually include annual leave, sick leave, and potentially medical aid coverage for the employee and sometimes dependents. Some institutions also offer provident fund or pension contributions as part of their employment package.
What should I include in my application, and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in Research Nurse candidates?
Your application should include a detailed CV highlighting relevant nursing and research experience, along with certified copies of your qualifications and professional registration. Employers seek candidates with strong ethical awareness, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to follow complex protocols rigorously.