The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF), a leading non-profit organisation in the fight against HIV and related infections in Southern Africa, has announced an exciting opportunity for dedicated and detail-oriented individuals. The organisation is currently recruiting for four temporary Research Assistants to support a specialised research project. This Research Assistant Vacancy at Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is ideal for candidates who have a background in biology, medicine, psychology, or related fields, and who are eager to contribute to meaningful health research.
Research Assistant Job Overview
- Organisation: Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF)
- Location: Woodstock HQ or Remote (Internet required)
- Job Ref #: DTHF-104
- Industry: Pharmaceutical and Medical/Healthcare
- Job Type: Temporary (8-week contract)
- Positions Available: 4
- Start Date: 1 September 2025
- Closing Date for Applications: 27 August 2025
About the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
Established to continue the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Foundation is internationally recognised for its excellence in research, training, and community-based health interventions. DTHF’s mission revolves around innovation, respect, progress, and integrity, ensuring that every project aligns with its core values. By joining the team, successful candidates will play a part in advancing knowledge that directly impacts healthcare and treatment in South Africa.
Job Description
The Research Assistant Vacancy at Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is a fixed-term, eight-week appointment starting on 1 September 2025. Four positions are available, each requiring 27 to 30 hours of work per week, at an hourly rate of R215. The role can be carried out either at the Foundation’s headquarters in Woodstock or remotely, provided the candidate has reliable internet access.
The main purpose of the role is to support a project by:
- Reviewing pre-identified academic citations.
- Downloading full-text academic papers.
- Extracting relevant information from the papers.
- Organising and collating data into a structured Excel spreadsheet.
On average, each Research Assistant is expected to review and extract data from about 60 papers per week, working within strict but manageable deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
Candidates appointed to this role will be responsible for:
- Accessing and downloading assigned academic papers.
- Extracting essential data according to project guidelines.
- Recording data accurately using an Excel spreadsheet template.
- Meeting weekly targets while maintaining accuracy.
- Reporting challenges to the project lead promptly.
- Ensuring the final dataset is complete, audit-ready, and reliable.
Candidate Requirements
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation seeks individuals who are highly motivated and capable of working independently. The minimum requirements for this role include:
- Honours or Masters-level qualification (completed or ongoing).
- Academic background in medicine, biology, psychology, or related disciplines.
- Strong ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with citation management software, particularly EndNote.
- Ability to download academic papers from online databases (with access costs covered by the Foundation).
- Strong written communication and organisational skills.
Foreign nationals are welcome to apply, provided they include a valid work permit with their application.
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How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit a detailed cover letter, an updated CV, a certified copy of their highest qualification, and two contactable referees by 27 August 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no communication is received within four weeks of the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is committed to fairness, equity, and inclusivity in its employment practices. The organisation also emphasises its dedication to child protection, ensuring a safe and ethical work environment.
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This Research Assistant Vacancy at Desmond Tutu Health Foundation presents a rare opportunity to join a respected organisation, contribute to impactful health research, and earn valuable experience in data extraction and academic reviewing. With flexible work arrangements and competitive pay, it is an attractive option for graduates and postgraduates seeking short-term academic research opportunities.