Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- The Research Assistant will work closely with the Study Coordinator, Research Nurses, Senior Research Assistants, Drivers, and Data Management staff to facilitate study visits, administer neurodevelopmental assessments, complete study documentation, ensure data quality, and support participant retention throughout the study period.
- The incumbent will recruit mother-child pairs, conduct study follow-up visits for complete study visits with each mother-child pair during the period of the study
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Health and Promotion or Bachelor of Public Health.
- Certificate in HIV testing and counseling.
- 1 – 2 years experience in a research environment.
- Experience in community-based research, participant tracing, or home visits is an added advantage.
- Experience using Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a Research Assistant at the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership?
Most research assistant roles in Botswana require a Bachelor's degree in public health, biomedical sciences, social sciences, or a related field. A relevant diploma with strong research experience may also be considered. Additional training in research ethics, data collection, or Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is a strong advantage.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Research Assistant?
Duties usually include recruiting and consenting study participants, administering questionnaires or interviews, collecting biological samples, and entering or cleaning data. You may also support literature reviews, attend community engagement activities, and assist with report writing under the supervision of senior researchers.
What is the work culture like for research roles in Botswana?
Workplaces in Botswana generally value professionalism, punctuality, and respect for hierarchy, so addressing supervisors formally is expected. Research settings emphasize confidentiality, ethical conduct, and community sensitivity, especially when working with health data or rural communities. Teamwork and clear communication are highly valued.
What career growth can I expect as a Research Assistant?
Research assistants often progress to Senior Research Assistant, Study Coordinator, Data Manager, or Research Officer positions after gaining experience. Pursuing further studies, such as an Honours or Master's degree, significantly improves advancement prospects. Many also move into monitoring and evaluation (M&E) or public health programme roles.
What benefits are typically offered for research positions in Botswana?
Common benefits include paid annual leave, sick leave, medical aid contributions, and pension or provident fund contributions as required by Botswana labour law. Some NGOs and partnerships may also offer allowances for fieldwork or travel. Specific benefits vary by employer and contract type.
How do I apply, and what do employers look for?
Applications typically require a CV, cover letter, certified copies of academic transcripts, and references, submitted via email or the employer's application portal. Employers look for attention to detail, experience with data collection tools (such as REDCap), fluency in English and Setswana, and demonstrated ethical awareness. Tailor your CV to highlight any fieldwork or community-based research experience.