Reporting to the Wastewater Project Manager and Department of Water Affairs focal person, the Research Assistant will be a detail-oriented and reliable Wastewater Sample Collector to support a research and public health project. The role involves collecting, handling, and transporting wastewater samples from various locations to designated laboratories for analysis; performing basic processing and storage of samples upon arrival at the laboratory. The candidate should have experience with basic research activities and be able to engage with research participants. The ideal candidate will follow strict safety and collection protocols to ensure sample integrity and contribute to important research in environmental and public health monitoring.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Collect wastewater and sludge samples from assigned locations, including treatment plants, sewer systems, facility outflows and other targeted sites.
• Properly label, document, and store samples to maintain integrity and chain of custody.
• Follow all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain accurate records of sample collection, including location, time, and environmental conditions.
• Transport samples in a timely manner to the designated laboratory or storage facility.
• Sample preparation for laboratory storage and processing.
• Collaborate with research teams, public health officials, and laboratory personnel as needed.
• Troubleshoot collection issues and ensure compliance with project guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Record specified wastewater conditions at time of collection.
• Maintain sampling equipment and report any malfunctions or supply shortages.
• Ability to support other project activities when not actively engaged in wastewater collection.
• Quality assurance monitoring of research data
• Screen individuals for study eligibility.
• Enroll participants in studies with adherence to principles of good clinical practice.
• Assist with specimen collection for clinical and research specimens including phlebotomy if qualified.
• Ensure good communication with participants to ensure longitudinal retention, avoid missed visits and ensure informed consent.
• Work with participants and team to support appropriate referrals, specimen collection, organization and transport, and documentation in the project database.
• Support collection and documentation of clinical and programmatic data on study participants
• Work with the data management department on cleaning reports on project indicators.
• Maintain Good Clinical Practice training and good documentation practices.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Form 5 certificate or equivalent required; diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree in biomedical technology, environmental science, chemistry, biology or a related field is also appropriate.
• Experience in fieldwork, environmental sampling, or public health research is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and follow detailed protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working outdoor and potentially adverse environmental conditions.
• Ability to lift and transport sample containers and equipment.
• Valid driver’s license, with plus 2 years’ manual vehicle driving experience.
• Familiarity with GPS, mobile applications, or mapping tools for location tracking is a plus.

Skills/Abilities/Aptitudes Requirements:

• Fluency in SiSwati and English
• Ability to coordinate with multiple team members
• Honesty and integrity
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and email
• Planning and organizational skills

Special Requirements

• Field-based work requiring travel to various sampling locations.
• May involve exposure to wastewater, inclement weather, and physical activity.
• Flexible work hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, depending on sampling schedules.