178 Research Associates jobs in South Africa

Company Description

The Chirandu Group is a research-led enterprise advancing the science, provenance, and application of indigenous African knowledge. The Group unites research, formulation, and product innovation to develop verified systems of sensory and material intelligence that bridge culture and science. Through The Chirandu Institute and Chirandu Botanica, it conducts heritage documentation, sensory analysis, and formulation development to create credible, high-quality products rooted in African ecosystems.

We are looking for someone passionate about African indigenous and medicinal plants and how they can shape the future of clean, market-ready food, wellness, and personal care products.

In this part-time role, you will support our Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist with:

• Ethnobotanical mapping
• Profiling ingredients and bioactive compounds
• Structuring African Indigenous knowledge systems

If you are detail-oriented, research-driven, and excited to bring traditional wisdom into modern innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

The Ethnobotanical Research Scientist will support the research and developmental team by gathering, validating, and structuring African indigenous plant knowledge into standardized dossiers. These dossiers form the foundation of the company's knowledge archive, supporting downstream formulation, licensing, and product development. 

Key responsibilities

• Research & document interdisciplinary knowledge on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and ecological sustainability of African indigenous plants.
• Populate ingredient dossiers and bioactive profiles using standardized templates provided by Chirandu Botanica.
• Reporting and documentation of research that is publication-worthy & aligns with both scientific and cultural perspectives.
• Identify overlaps, contradictions, and research gaps when profiling and mapping the plants.
• Participate in peer review sessions with the Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist.
• Contribute insights & incorporate feedback to improve the quality of dossiers, formulations and commercialization priorities.
• Support field visits, interviews, or data collection when needed.
• Ensure compliance with heritage and attribution protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's in Botany, Ethnobotany, Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, or related field
• • 2 years of research experience (experience must also be in industry, not just academic). and academic writing. (Publication is an added advantage)
• Experience with literature reviews and academic references.
• Familiarity with African indigenous knowledge systems
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with product development using indigenous medicinal plants will be an added advantage.

Email your CV and short motivational letter to

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Chirandu Botanica is growing its research team We are looking for someone passionate about African indigenous and medicinal plants and how they can shape the future of clean, market-ready food, wellness, and personal care products.

In this part-time role, you will support our Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist with:

• Ethnobotanical mapping
• Profiling ingredients and bioactive compounds
• Structuring African Indigenous knowledge systems

If you are detail-oriented, research-driven, and excited to bring traditional wisdom into modern innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

The Ethnobotanical Research Scientist will support the research and developmental team by gathering, validating, and structuring African indigenous plant knowledge into standardized dossiers. These dossiers form the foundation of the company's knowledge archive, supporting downstream formulation, licensing, and product development.

Key responsibilities

• Research & document interdisciplinary knowledge on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and ecological sustainability of African indigenous plants.
• Populate ingredient dossiers and bioactive profiles using standardized templates provided by Chirandu Botanica.
• Reporting and documentation of research that is publication-worthy & aligns with both scientific and cultural perspectives.
• Identify overlaps, contradictions, and research gaps when profiling and mapping the plants.
• Participate in peer review sessions with the Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist.
• Contribute insights & incorporate feedback to improve the quality of dossiers, formulations and commercialization priorities.
• Support field visits, interviews, or data collection when needed.
• Ensure compliance with heritage and attribution protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's in Botany, Ethnobotany, Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, or related field
• • 2 years of research experience (experience must also be in industry, not just academic). and academic writing. (Publication is an added advantage)
• Experience with literature reviews and academic references.
• Familiarity with African indigenous knowledge systems
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with product development using indigenous medicinal plants will be an added advantage.

Email your CV and short motivational letter to

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Job Types: Part-time, Internship

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: R6 500,00 - R8 000,00 per month

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Education:

• Masters (Preferred)

Experience:

• research and/or academic writing: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Activities and Responsibilities:

Research Design and Tool Development

• Assist in the development and refinement of research tools (e.g., interview guides, focus group guides, workshop guides), ensuring they are youth- and gender-sensitive.
• Support the translation and localization of research instruments for use in different cultural and linguistic settings in which the study will be in.

Fieldwork Preparation

• Assist in organizing fieldwork logistics such as coordinating interviews, managing schedules, and liaising with local partners.
• Data collection support
• Participate in or observe qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, focus group discussions) where appropriate, under supervision.
• Engage respectfully and ethically with youth participants, particularly when discussing sensitive SRHR topics.

Data Management and Preliminary Analysis

• Transcribe or code qualitative data, support data cleaning for survey datasets.
• Assist in identifying key themes, patterns, and issues relevant to youth mobility and access to SRHR services.
• Academic writing and dissemination.
• Draft sections of internal reports, policy briefs, or academic papers in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Assist in preparing presentation materials for conferences, seminars, or stakeholder workshops.

Project Coordination and Communication

• Attend regular research team meetings and contribute to collaborative planning and problem-solving.
• Maintain organised project files and contribute to documenting fieldwork processes and challenges.
• Engage in research mentorship activities, such as methods workshops or writing retreats, where available.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Public Health, or related discipline).
• Previous research or fieldwork experience.
• Experience working with communities or participants.
• Knowledge of local language(s) including Zulu, Sotho and other local languages.

Personal Attributes:

• Professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Flexibility and adaptability to fieldwork conditions.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse populations.

Remuneration: ZAR per annum

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three (3) references on the link:

For queries, contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email

on

Closing date: 30 September 2025, close of business

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home

Description
Job Title Research Assistant Location Braamfontein,ZA Organization Name Wits Enterprise Department Description The Research Assistant will support a regional research project focused on understanding the impacts of youth mobility and migration on access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services in Southern Africa. The project explores how internal and cross-border migration, displacement, and patterns of urbanisation influence young people's access to comprehensive SRHR services. Brief Description

Activities And Responsibilities
Research Design and Tool Development

• Assist in the development and refinement of research tools (e.g., interview guides, focus group guides, workshop guides), ensuring they are youth- and gender-sensitive.
• Support the translation and localization of research instruments for use in different cultural and linguistic settings in which the study will be in.

Fieldwork Preparation

• Assist in organizing fieldwork logistics such as coordinating interviews, managing schedules, and liaising with local partners.
• Data collection support
• Participate in or observe qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews, focus group discussions) where appropriate, under supervision.
• Engage respectfully and ethically with youth participants, particularly when discussing sensitive SRHR topics.

Data Management and Preliminary Analysis

• Transcribe or code qualitative data, support data cleaning for survey datasets.
• Assist in identifying key themes, patterns, and issues relevant to youth mobility and access to SRHR services.
• Academic writing and dissemination.
• Draft sections of internal reports, policy briefs, or academic papers in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Assist in preparing presentation materials for conferences, seminars, or stakeholder workshops.

Project Coordination and Communication

• Attend regular research team meetings and contribute to collaborative planning and problem-solving.
• Maintain organised project files and contribute to documenting fieldwork processes and challenges.
• Engage in research mentorship activities, such as methods workshops or writing retreats, where available.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Public Health, or related discipline).
• Previous research or fieldwork experience.
• Experience working with communities or participants.
• Knowledge of local language(s) including Zulu, Sotho and other local languages.

Personal Attributes

• Professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Flexibility and adaptability to fieldwork conditions.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse populations.

Remuneration: ZAR per annum
Requirements
Detailed Description Job Requirements Additional Details How To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three (3) references on the link:

For queries, contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email

on

Closing date: 30 September 2025, close of business
***The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.***
Minimum Salary Maximum Salary Currency Amount of Travel Work At Home

Project: Unequal Adaptation to Water Insecurity in South African Townships

About the Role

Where: Johannesburg area

When: September–October (8 weeks)

Type: Paid, on-site, part-time (local hire)

Responsibilities

• Conduct semi-structured interviews with residents, community leaders, and NGOs—focused on water access, non-revenue water (NRW), and sanitation.
• Facilitate 1–2 focus groups to surface coping norms, trust, and practical ideas to improve water services and sanitation.
• Join field walk-alongs in informal settlements to observe daily water/sanitation practices; take careful notes and (where appropriate) photos; deliver short weekly insight memos.
• Handle recruitment, consent, audio recording, transcription/translation, and confidentiality (POPIA-compliant).

Qualifications

• Based in Gauteng; fluent in English plus a local language (e.g., isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, isiXhosa).
• A university student or recent graduate with knowledge of—or strong interest in—water.

Required Skills

• Outgoing and proactive, with strong note-taking and people skills.
• Reliable, discreet, and safety-minded (transport stipends provided).
• A person with existing networks in Johannesburg area and knowledge of Johannesburg Water pathways.

Pay range and compensation package

Paid, on-site, part-time (local hire)

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.

• South African National Parks (SANParks)

Research Assistant at South African National Parks

• Deadline:

23 September 2025

• Region:

Kimberley, Northern Cape

• Salary:

Paterson Grade B3

• Type of employment:

Full time

Job Description
A vacancy exists within Scientific Services for a Research Assistant stationed in Kimberley Scientific Services.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist with conducting Research in Arid parks and others.
• Provide guarding and guiding support in the Arid parks.
• Assist with the maintenance of research infrastructures, research sites and equipment.
• Assist with data collection, routine monitoring data, mapping and data capturing.
• Assist with rehabilitation plans and assessment.
• Assisting with report writing.
• Assist with the implementation of the fire management program within the Arid parks.
• Liaison to park management and scientist within SANParks and external scientists.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 certificate.
• An Advanced Certificate in Conservation will be an added advantage.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and communicating effectively in English.
• Knowledge and understanding of veld firefighting practices.
• Competent in using GPS and CyberTracker technologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Excel, and Word.
• A valid Level 1 First Aid Certificate will be advantageous.
• 2 – 5 years of experience participating in field research activities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Valid Driver's licence.
• Basic computer literacy will be an added advantage.

Please Note:
SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.
How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications accompanied by the their detailed CV's and copies of qualifications to: with the subject heading: "Research Assistant".

Apply here

Candidates who do not apply via the provided link will not be considered.

Closing Date: 23 September 2025. Candidates who have not been responded to within 14 days of the closing date should consider their applications as unsuccessful.

Keep #NGOJobsBoard thriving: Tell employers you found their listing on Hashtag Nonprofit
More about this vacancy

• Date posted:

11 September 2025

Back to #NGOJobsBoard

We're hiring: Research Assistant (Johannesburg) - Qualitative fieldwork on water & sanitation

Project: Unequal Adaptation to Water Insecurity in South African Townships

Where: Johannesburg area When: September-October (8 weeks) Type: Paid, on-site, part-time (local hire)

What you'll do (qualitative only)

Conduct semi-structured interviews with residents, community leaders, and NGOs - focused on water access, non-revenue water (NRW), and sanitation.

Facilitate 12 focus groups to surface coping norms, trust, and practical ideas to improve water services and sanitation.

Join field walk-alongs in informal settlements to observe daily water/sanitation practices; take careful notes and (where appropriate) photos; deliver short weekly insight memos.

Handle recruitment, consent, audio recording, transcription/translation, and confidentiality (POPIA-compliant).

You are

Based in Gauteng; fluent in English plus a local language (e.g., isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, isiXhosa).

A university student or recent graduate with knowledge of - or strong interest in - water

Outgoing and proactive, with strong note-taking and people skills.

Reliable, discreet, and safety-minded (transport stipends provided).

• A person with existing networks in the Johannesburg area and knowledge of Johannesburg Water pathways.

Job Purpose

As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in supporting bioanalytical projects by performing routine analyses, maintaining laboratory instruments, and ensuring full compliance with GLP, GCP, GMP, and SOP standards. You'll contribute to high-quality data generation, prepare project documentation, and manage consumables to keep studies running smoothly. Acting as a study-specific analyst, you'll support method documentation, write and review SOPs, and provide training where needed. This role offers the opportunity to work in a regulated environment, grow technical expertise, and make a meaningful impact on advancing healthcare research.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Perform bioanalytical methods in line with GLP, GCP, GMP, and SOPs.
• Perform routine analyses and document all work according to GxP and SOP standards.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments & environment as per SOPs.
• Prepare project-related documentation, including lab manuals and reports.
• Write and review SOPs and support method documentation.
• Manage consumables, monitor stock levels, and maintain LIMS records.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Act as Study specific analyst on assigned projects.
• Training of personnel within area of responsibility when needed.
• Record tasks and time accurately in time logging application.
• Observe appropriate regulatory guidelines, SOPs, policies and study documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• A minimum level of an Honours degree in a scientific field (BSc Hons or BTech) or at least 1-2 years of company experience is required.
• Accurate record-keeping and documentation skills in English.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of GLP and familiarity with GCP, GMP, and bioanalytical methods.
• Understanding of laboratory SOPs, workflows, and computerized systems.
• Hands-on experience with standard lab techniques and equipment.
• Able to work independently and persistently, with strong teamwork capability

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CV/RESUME IS SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.

The Research Associate will support AfriClimate AI's applied research portfolio by contributing to the development, fine-tuning, and validation of AI-driven climate and weather modelling tools. Working closely with the research team, the successful candidate will play a hands-on role in data preparation, model development and evaluation, ensuring that research outputs are robust, open and relevant for African contexts.

Research & Development

• Assist in designing, implementing, and testing AI-based climate and weather forecasting methodologies.
• Preprocess and manage large geospatial datasets (e.g., observational data, satellite products, reanalysis datasets).
• Support the development of benchmarking frameworks for model evaluation, including skill scores, bias correction and uncertainty quantification.
• Contribute to the setup and maintenance of MLOps pipelines for training, deployment and monitoring of AI models.
• Collaborate with team members on documentation, and reproducibility of workflows.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Work with meteorological agencies, universities and international partners on joint research tasks.
• Contribute to open-source datasets, code repositories and technical documentation.
• Support the preparation of research outputs, including peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and policy briefs.
• Present results in internal and external meetings (workshops and conferences).

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Climate Science, Meteorology, Machine Learning or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience working with geospatial and gridded datasets (e.g., ERA5, CHIRPS, CMIP, satellite-based products).
• Knowledge of machine learning methods applied to climate or weather problems.
• Familiarity with standard model evaluation metrics and statistical analysis.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in distributed teams.
• Ability to communication technical work clearly.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous research experience on African climate datasets  and/or data-sparse contexts.
• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Exposure to MLOps tools (e.g., MLflow, Docker, Kubernetes, Airflow).
• Familiarity with cloud computing (AWS, GCP, Azure) or HPC workflows.
• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems, downscaling, or data assimilation.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects or collaborative codebases.

AfriClimate AI is a grassroots research organisation advancing climate resilience in Africa through open, community-driven AI research. We focus on developing region-specific datasets, tools, and methodologies to bridge the gap between global models and local needs, supporting equitable and actionable climate solutions across the continent.

• Mission-driven impact: Contribute to climate resilience and equity across Africa through open, locally grounded research.
• Flexible, remote-first work: Collaborate with an international network while working from anywhere in Africa.
• Open science ethos: Work in a fully open-source, community-driven environment that values transparency, reproducibility, and shared ownership.
• Professional growth: Access mentorship, attend leading conferences, and shape the future of climate AI research in the Global South.
• Collaborative culture: Join a multidisciplinary, values-aligned team working at the intersection of science, technology, and social impact.
• Travel opportunities: Participate in key events, workshops, and field collaborations across Africa and beyond.
• Competitive compensation: Receive a salary package that reflects your expertise, with flexibility for different levels of experience and location.