14 Research Assistant jobs in South Africa

Overview

RESEARCH ASSISTANT: ANALYTICAL SERVICES at Agricultural Research Council

• Agricultural Research and Technology Development.
• Prepare plant and soil samples.
• Keep store clean and in good condition.
• Wash glassware and prepare them to be used.
• Take initiative in your job.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Research Services

• Agricultural Research and Technology Development.
• Prepare plant and soil samples.
• Keeping store clean and in good condition.
• Maintain Lab equipment.
• Washing of glass ware and prepare them to be used.
• Take initiative in your job.

• Senior Certificate (Grade12).
• Physically fit.
• Ability to be rapidly trained and mentored.
• Driver’s license will be an added advantage.
• Client focused & customer service disposition.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and exercise confidentiality.
• Organizing skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Enquiries: Ms. Z Hlam, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 17 SEPTEMBER 2025

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).  
Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form. 
A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

UNU-WIDER is looking for research assistants to build and expand the tax administrative and other microdata available at the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria. The research assistant(s) will work closely with the Data Developer at the NT-SDF. Closing date:14 November :59 UTC+2

UNU-WIDER is looking for an outstanding individual with strong data skills, commitment and potential to contribute to the SA-TIED programme.

Through the collaboration of UNU-WIDER, the National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service over the past few years, South African administrative micro tax data has been made available for research purposes. This puts South Africa at the forefront of big data research for development and puts the country in a novel position relative to other developing (and some developed) countries. The tax data — the global best practice in some avenues of research — has opened avenues for research in areas and topics that were not possible before in South Africa.

UNU-WIDER is looking for research assistants to build and expand the tax administrative and other microdata available at the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria. The research assistant(s) will work closely with the Data Developer at the NT-SDF.

Update the various tax datasets held at the NT-SDF on a rolling basis

Continually improve and expand the datasets

Perform quality assurance checks and analyse trends in the data

Assist in drafting, reviewing and revising documentation related to the data

Provide research assistance through data analysis, literature reviews, drafting documents

Assist researchers with data related queries and review their data output to ensure data confidentiality

Assist with day-to-day operations of running the National Treasury - Secure Data Facility

Other duties as requested by the supervisor related to the research and administrative work.

Masters in Economics or Econometrics. Candidates who are close to completing their Masters will also be considered

Excellent skills in statistical software STATA (i.e., able to work with loops, globals, directories and writing STATA programs)

Knowledge of SQL, R, Python and ArcGIS is an advantage

Excellent analytical and drafting skills

Fluent in oral and written English

South African nationality, or the necessary residence, and work permit for South Africa

The Research Assistant will be issued a one-year consultancy contract with UNU-WIDER (renewable up to another year, subject to satisfactory performance). The Research Assistant will receive a total of USD19,620 for the contract period to supplement living expenses while stationed in Pretoria, South Africa. No extra payments for housing or living expenses will be made. Project-related costs will, however, be covered by the project.

Short personal statement (max. 1 page)

Academic record

Sample (max. 200 lines) of originally written Stata code that clearly demonstrates your coding level

The application must be submitted electronically. Deadline for applications is 14November 2022 at 23:59 (GMT +2). Interviews will be held as quickly as possible thereafter.

Short-listed applicants must be willing to undergo a competency exercise as part of the selection process.

The position is open from 3January 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Overview

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

POSITION NUMBER: TB01416

VACANCY: PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR (RESEARCH ASSISTANT)

PEROMNES GRADE: P11

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: 15 MONTH FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT

• Purpose of the position — The Project Administrator (Research Assistant) will provide services to Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) Research Focus Area on a temporary basis for a period of 15 months.
• Research Responsibilities — Collaborate with principal investigator and research team of the SANOPSys research programme to coordinate the planning execution and monitoring of research projects; track project progress and report updates to relevant stakeholders; assist internal individuals / staff members with research-related activities, including communication, administration and deliverables of all research-related activities.
• Administrative Support — Manage documentation related to research projects, grants and research protocols; schedule and organise research-related meetings, prepare agendas and document meeting minutes if necessary; maintain organised records of academic publications, presentations and project-related materials.
• Communication and Collaboration — Facilitate communication among research team members, collaborators and academic departments; serve as a liaison between the research team and administrative units within the academic institution; contribute to the development of communication strategies to disseminate research findings.
• Resource management — Coordinate the allocation and utilization of resources for research projects including personnel, equipment and facilities; assist in the preparation and submission of grant proposals ensuring compliance with academic and funding agency requirements; monitor and manage project budgets in collaboration with financial departments.
• Quality Assurance — Implement and uphold academic and ethical standards in research practices; contribute to the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for research projects and processes of the SANOPSys programme; assist in the preparation and submission of academic manuscripts.
• Compliance — Ensure that all activities and documents adhere to university policies, regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
• Postgraduate student support — Actively contribute to the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to support postgraduate student research; monitor postgraduate student research progress from proposal development to completion to proactively identify challenges and facilitate solutions; facilitate access to specialized software resources and training opportunities for students.

• A master's degree (NQF level 9) in Nursing or health-related discipline.
• A minimum of two years academic research experience in the field of nursing or health-related discipline.
• Added advantages: Professional registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

• Experience with academic databases and literature review processes.
• Familiarity with academic research software and data management tools e.g. EndNote, SPSS, REDCap, Clarivate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based storage systems.
• Experience working or researching in the SANOPSys research programme (nurse, patient, organisational and system outcomes).
• Knowledge of academic publishing and research dissemination.
• Experience conducting research in nursing and midwifery, including establishing and facilitating relationships between researchers and external stakeholders (e.g. hospitals), promoting knowledge translation and implementation of various research and community engagement projects.
• Passion for research and a commitment to improving the quality of nursing and midwifery in the South African context.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries regarding job content may be directed to: Ms Anelle Erasmus

Enquiries regarding recruitment process may be directed to: Janine Da Gama

Closing date: 07 August 2025

Planned commencement of duties: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

It all starts here

Experience: Unclear Seniority

Key Skills: Laboratory Experience, SPSS, Data Collection, DNA Isolation, Stata, Biochemistry, Qualitative Research Interviewing, Research Experience, Statistical Software, Molecular Biology, Research Laboratory Experience, Western Blot

Employment Type: Contract

Vacancy: 1

Learn about the key requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a social science research assistant job description.

Social science research assistants are responsible for assisting social scientists with laboratory and survey-related research. They are responsible for laboratory analysis, recording data, keeping the testing area clean, and preparing research for publication. Their objective is to help scientists achieve their goals in social science research.

We are looking for a dynamic social science research assistant to join our research department. In this role, you'll assist scientists with laboratory work, such as conducting experiments, performing subject interviews, processing research data, and updating databases.

To ensure success as a social science research assistant, you should have a nuanced understanding of the social sciences and the ability to use critical thinking methods to perform crucial research. Ultimately, a top-notch social science research assistant should be an organized individual who can accurately manage large quantities of data.

• Assisting lead scientists with experiments and research by collecting data, organizing supplies, and cleaning equipment.
• Reviewing published research and applying the findings to develop test protocols to be used in future studies.
• Managing test subjects by conducting interviews, administering tests, and recording all subject information.
• Verifying the accuracy and validity of data and correcting errors when needed.
• Developing graphs, tables, and reports to communicate experiment results to superiors.
• Updating the department's digital and physical database, tracking inventory, and ensuring all equipment works correctly.
• Ensuring the experiment area or laboratory is clean, sterilized, and organized at all times.
• Updating research findings by writing portions of case studies, reports, and grant proposals.
• Keeping abreast with the latest developments in social sciences and industry changes.

• A bachelor's degree in social science, such as psychology, sociology, geography, history, etc.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience working as a social science research assistant at a laboratory or research facility.
• Excellent knowledge of social science research methods and testing procedures.
• Familiarity with data analysis software, such as Datapine, SPSS, and OriginPro.
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to work accurately with a large amount of data.
• Great analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to follow and complete complex instructions in a timely and efficient manner.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

UNU-WIDER is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Research Assistant, based in Pretoria, South Africa, to support the SA-TIED programme. This role involves managing and enhancing tax datasets, assisting researchers, and ensuring high standards of data confidentiality.

For the full job description and application details, please click here.

UNU offers three types of contracts: fixed-term staff positions (General Service, National Officer and Professional), Personnel Service Agreement positions (PSA), and consultant positions (CTC). For more information, see the Contract Types page.

Responsibilities

• Execute tasks in collaboration with researchers on breeding and evaluation of grapevine.
• Assist with flower emasculation and pollination.
• Embryo rescue procedures (tissue culture of seedless grape crosses). This includes Aseptic removal of rudimentary seeds from surface sterilized berries (crosses), culture & dissection of rudimentary seeds to remove embryos for further culture & development and transferring germinating embryos to glass jars.
• Plant seedlings from glass jars to seed trays to harden-off plants from tissue culture.
• Plant seedlings from seed trays to plastic plant bags.
• Assist with tending to plants in greenhouses and tunnels (watering, weeding, fertigation).
• Assist with monitoring of pests and diseases in tunnels and greenhouses.
• Washing glassware and general cleaning of laboratory.
• Correct use of equipment according to specification (autoclaves, stereo microscopes, laminar flow benches, etc.)
• Keep equipment neat and clean.
• Any other ad hoc tasks that may be reasonable to be assigned to the job incumbent.

• Execute tasks in collaboration with researchers on breeding and evaluation of grapevine.
• Assist with flower emasculation and pollination.
• Embryo rescue procedures (tissue culture of seedless grape crosses). This includes Aseptic removal of rudimentary seeds from surface sterilized berries (crosses), culture & dissection of rudimentary seeds to remove embryos for further culture & development and transferring germinating embryos to glass jars. 
• Plant seedlings from glass jars to seed trays to harden-off plants from tissue culture.
• Plant seedlings from seed trays to plastic plant bags.
• Assist with tending to plants in greenhouses and tunnels (watering, weeding, fertigation).  
li>Assist with monitoring of pests and diseases in tunnels and greenhouses.
• Washing glassware and general cleaning of laboratory.
• Correct use of equipment according to specification (autoclaves, stereo microscopes, laminar flow benches, etc.)
• Keep equipment neat and clean.
• Any other ad hoc tasks that may be reasonable to be assigned to the job incumbent.

• Grade 10 with experience working in an environment where good hand-eye coordination skills are required.
• Attention to detail and work accuracy is extremely important (rudimentary seeds and especially embryos are very small & very steady hands are needed to not damage embryos when dissecting rudimentary seeds).
• Previous experience working in a tissue culture or other laboratory will be a recommendation.
• Experience working in nurseries and with young plants (especially with grape plants) will be a recommendation.
• Experience in a work environment where tasks are repetitive.
• Excellent communication skills (mostly verbal but also written).
• Valid driver’s licence recommended, but not excluding applicants.

Enquiries: Ms. P Burger, Tel: (021) 809 – 3021

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.