Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Healthcare & Medicine
- 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
About the Company
The Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) is a prominent not-for-profit institution operating in Zimbabwe. It is dedicated to significantly enhancing health research and training capabilities across the nation. Through its impactful programs, BRTI plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and developing skilled professionals within the Zimbabwean health sector. This commitment helps to address critical health challenges and improve public health outcomes throughout the country. BRTI's operations are fundamental to fostering a sustainable and innovative health research environment in Zimbabwe.
Building health research and training capacity in Zimbabwe.
Website: https://brti.co.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential qualifications and certifications required for a Research Nurse role in Zimbabwe?
Candidates typically need a registered general nurse diploma or degree from an accredited institution and a valid practicing certificate from the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe. Prior experience in clinical research, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and basic computer literacy are also highly advantageous.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Research Nurse in a Zimbabwean biomedical research setting?
Day-to-day tasks include recruiting and consenting study participants, collecting accurate data, administering study interventions, and managing biological samples. Research Nurses also monitor participants for adverse events, provide health education, and ensure strict adherence to research protocols and ethical guidelines.
What is the typical work culture and expectations for Research Nurses in Zimbabwean biomedical research?
The work culture emphasizes professionalism, strict adherence to research protocols, and ethical conduct towards study participants. Expect collaborative teamwork, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining data integrity and participant confidentiality, often requiring flexibility in working hours during peak study periods.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for Research Nurses in Zimbabwe?
Research Nurses can progress to senior research nurse positions, study coordinators, or data managers within research projects. Further education, such as a Master's degree in Public Health or Clinical Research, can also open doors to research management or principal investigator roles.
What kind of typical benefits package can Research Nurses expect in Zimbabwe?
Typical benefits usually include statutory provisions like annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave. Many employers also provide medical aid, and some may offer a pension scheme or life assurance, though specific packages vary significantly by institution and contract type.