Apply for Research Nurse Position at Cape Town | UCT Vacancies 2026

If you are looking for the latest UCT vacancies, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced an excellent opportunity for qualified nursing professionals. The Faculty of Health Sciences is recruiting a Research Nurse to join the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity (CLII) on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This opportunity is ideal for registered nurses who are passionate about medical research, infectious diseases, tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and COVID-19 studies. The successful candidate will work with one of South Africa’s leading research teams based in Mowbray, Cape Town.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about this UCT vacancies opportunity, including salary, eligibility requirements, responsibilities, benefits, and the application process.

About the University of Cape Town (UCT)

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of Africa’s leading universities, internationally recognized for excellence in education, medical research, innovation, and community development.

The Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity (CLII), located within UCT’s Department of Medicine, conducts important research into diseases affecting Southern Africa, including:

  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • HIV
  • COVID-19
  • Drug-resistant TB
  • Respiratory diseases

Researchers at CLII work closely with hospitals and clinics across Cape Town to improve healthcare outcomes through high-quality clinical research.

UCT Vacancies 2026 Overview

Job DetailsInformation
PositionResearch Nurse
EmployerUniversity of Cape Town (UCT)
DepartmentDepartment of Medicine
FacultyFaculty of Health Sciences
Research UnitCentre for Lung Infection and Immunity (CLII)
LocationMowbray, Cape Town
Contract Type12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Working Hours40 Hours per Week (Monday-Friday)
SalaryR273,698 – R462,822 per year
Closing Date14 August 2026
Reference NumberE26721

About the Research Nurse Position

The Research Nurse will coordinate various medical research studies conducted by CLII across multiple research sites in Cape Town.

The role involves working with participants involved in HIV, TB, and COVID-19 studies while ensuring all clinical and research procedures meet ethical and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.

This is a rewarding career opportunity for nurses who enjoy both patient care and scientific research.

Salary and Benefits

Successful applicants can expect an annual cost-to-company package ranging between:

R273,698 – R462,822 per year

The total package may include applicable employment benefits according to UCT’s employment policies.

Additional benefits include:

  • Valuable clinical research experience
  • Opportunity to work with internationally recognized researchers
  • Professional development
  • Exposure to advanced medical research projects
  • Collaborative healthcare environment

Minimum Requirements

Applicants applying for these UCT vacancies must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualifications

Candidates should possess:

  • Nursing Diploma or Nursing Degree
  • Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC)
  • Registered Nurse status

Experience

Applicants should have:

  • 1 to 3 years of nursing experience after registration
  • Previous research or clinical research experience

Skills Required

Suitable candidates should demonstrate:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Good time management
  • Computer literacy
  • MS Word proficiency
  • Microsoft Excel skills
  • Internet knowledge
  • Ability to work independently
  • Teamwork skills

Language Requirements

Applicants should be fluent in one or more of the following languages:

  • English
  • Afrikaans
  • isiXhosa

Other Requirements

Candidates should also:

  • Be willing to travel to research sites around Cape Town
  • Build positive relationships with hospitals and clinics
  • Pass credit and criminal checks

Advantageous Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following will strengthen your application:

  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification
  • Interest in infectious disease research
  • Experience working with TB patients
  • Experience with drug-resistant TB
  • Reliable transport
  • Knowledge of research data management systems

Key Responsibilities

The successful Research Nurse will perform several important duties.

Coordinate Research Projects

Responsibilities include:

  • Recruiting suitable study participants
  • Managing participant enrolment
  • Supervising informed consent
  • Coordinating study visits
  • Following approved study protocols
  • Communicating with principal investigators
  • Attending research meetings

Clinical Responsibilities

Clinical duties include:

  • Collecting blood samples (Phlebotomy)
  • Measuring blood pressure
  • Conducting urine analysis
  • Performing ECG procedures
  • Coordinating participant appointments
  • Supporting research counselling before and after study participation

Data Collection and Quality

The successful candidate will also:

  • Complete informed consent documentation
  • Record research data accurately
  • Complete Case Report Forms
  • Verify data quality
  • Resolve research data queries
  • Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines

Support Research Nurse Management

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Managing research inventory
  • Monitoring clinical equipment
  • Tracking medical supplies
  • Assisting with project logistics

Financial Administration

The Research Nurse will also oversee:

  • Participant reimbursements
  • Payment records
  • Reimbursement logs

Why Consider UCT Vacancies?

Working at UCT offers numerous professional advantages.

These include:

  • Working at one of Africa’s top universities
  • Participation in internationally respected research
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Exposure to infectious disease research
  • Continuous learning
  • Modern research facilities
  • Meaningful contribution to public health

For healthcare professionals interested in research, this role provides valuable experience that can support future career advancement.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Completed UCT Application Form
  • Cover Letter
  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

All documents must be combined into one PDF file before submission.

How to Apply for UCT Vacancies

Interested candidates should submit their application via email.

Your application should include:

  • UCT Application Form
  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Remember to include the job title and Reference Number E26721 in the email subject line.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Applicants may also be required to complete:

  • Competency assessments
  • Pre-employment medical assessments

Important Dates

Applicants should note the following important information:

DetailsInformation
Closing Date14 August 2026
Contract12 Months
LocationMowbray, Cape Town
Weekly Hours40 Hours

Late applications may not be accepted, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible.

Tips for a Successful Application

To improve your chances:

  • Update your CV with recent nursing experience.
  • Highlight any clinical research experience.
  • Mention your SANC registration clearly.
  • Include GCP certification if available.
  • Emphasize communication and teamwork skills.
  • Carefully check all documents before submission.
  • Submit your application before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q:- Is this a permanent position?

A:- No. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Q:- Where is the job located?

A:- The position is based in Mowbray, Cape Town, with travel to various research sites.

Q:- Who can apply?

A:- Qualified Registered Nurses with SANC registration and relevant nursing experience.

Q:- Is research experience required?

A:- Yes. Previous research or clinical research experience is required.

Q:- What is the salary?

A:- The annual package ranges from R273,698 to R462,822 depending on qualifications and experience.

Q:- Is travel required?

A:- Yes. The successful candidate must be willing to travel to various CLII research locations in Cape Town.

Q:- What is the application deadline?

A:- Applications close on 14 August 2026.

Final Thoughts

The latest UCT vacancies present an excellent opportunity for qualified Registered Nurses seeking to build a career in clinical research. Working with the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity allows successful candidates to contribute to important research on TB, HIV, and COVID-19 while gaining valuable professional experience.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your application carefully and submit it before the closing date. This role offers competitive remuneration, professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on healthcare research in South Africa.

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