Job Title: Research Assistant

Employment Duration: Fixed Term – 1-year contract subject to a three-month trial period

Location: Cape Town and surrounds / Remotely

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00. Flexibility required, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for events, research projects, or workshops as needed.

Starting Date: Jan/Feb 2025

About The Noakes Foundation

The Noakes Foundation (TNF) is a non-profit organization (NPO) that supports academic free speech, and independent scientific research for the truth. We seek to question the accepted “science” whenever appropriate, especially as it applies to nutrition and healthy lifestyles. TNF was founded to advance medical science’s understanding of the benefits of a low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF) diet by providing evidence-based information on optimum nutrition that is free from commercial agenda. 

TNF has several large-scale projects underway and is looking to appoint a research assistant to support these efforts.

About this role:

This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with the researchers at The Noakes Foundation on various impactful research projects. It’s an ideal position for someone fresh out of university with some research experience or anyone looking to gain more hands-on experience in the field of nutrition science. The candidate will play a key role in assisting with study planning, data collection, and analysis, and will have the chance to contribute to publications and presentations. Strong potential for growth within the organization is available for dedicated individuals passionate about advancing health research.

Main tasks & responsibilities: 

• Assist with planning and executing research studies, including recruitment of study participants, data collection, and data analysis (both quantitative and qualitative).
• Assist with scheduling of online activities and in-person data collection.
• Manage project timelines.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings to inform research projects.
• Manage research databases and maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Assist with the preparation of research reports, presentations, and manuscripts for Publication.
• Identify new research projects and funding opportunities.
• Contributing to, and writing of grant proposals and fundraising efforts.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders and third-party service providers.
• Participate in/and attend meetings with collaborators, and conferences and present research findings.
• Other ad-hoc research-related and other tasks as required by the company.

Personal Requirements:

• Previous experience in an academic or other research-related field.
• Publication history or demonstrated ability to prepare scientifically valid research articles and/or blogs.
• Demonstrates initiative, energy, and a strong passion for research, particularly in the LCHF field.
• Self-motivated, with a high level of commitment to delivering impactful work.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at once.
• Comfort in looking for solutions to time-based challenges. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Open to undergoing training as needed.
• High work ethic and ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in a life sciences field
• Ideally, 2-3 years of experience in a research-focused role (preferred but not mandatory).

 To Apply:

Please submit both your CV and cover letter in PDF format, detailing your passion for this role and your salary expectations to info@thenoakesfoundation.org