Medical portfolio (advanced HIS/histoplasmosis) Intern

About MSF Southern Africa

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Southern Africa is a vibrant part of a global network of principled professionals driven by medical ethics and a shared commitment to humanity. Operating in over 70 countries, our teams of doctors, nurses, logisticians, and other specialists deliver critical healthcare to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics, and exclusion from medical services.

Beyond providing care, we bear witness to the challenges faced by the communities we serve, raising awareness and advocating for change to address emerging crises and healthcare inequities. Based in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town, MSF Southern Africa is a dynamic hub for recruitment, communications, and operational support, governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association with over 300 members from seven regional countries. We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every voice is valued. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, abilities, and other diversity characteristics

Purpose of the job

The primary purpose of this internship is to support the operational and analytical components of the HIV-HALO study (HIV-associated Histoplasmosis Assessment in Lower-resource settings), embedded in the advanced HIV disease medical portfolio.  

The intern will assist the HIV/TB advisor (the study’s Principal Investigator) and Study Coordinator in the daily management of this multi-centric prospective observational study across four countries (CAR, DRC, Guinea, India). The role involves ensuring data quality within the study database, conducting interim statistical analyses, supporting the development of training materials for field teams, and assisting with the study’s nested modelling components.

Key tasks and responsibilities 

1. Support overall HIV-HALO study operations, coordination, and training material development

Assist in the maintenance of the study files and ensure all regulatory documents (ethics approvals, MOUs) are up to date. 

Support the development and formatting of training materials (slide decks, job aids, SOPs) for clinical and laboratory staff at study sites regarding Histoplasma antigen LFA testing and sample collection. 

Facilitate communication between the coordination team in Cape Town and the study sites, including scheduling meetings and drafting minutes. 

Support the logistics of sample batching and shipment to reference laboratories where applicable. 

2. Ensure data quality assurance and management within the study database (REDCap). 

Monitor the REDCap study database for completeness and accuracy, performing regular consistency checks in collaboration with the Data Quality team. 

Generate and follow up on data queries with field teams to resolve discrepancies in clinical or laboratory data. 

Assist in the validation of data entry related to the specific study variables (e.g., CD4 counts, LFA results, sequential EIA testing results). 

Ensure adherence to data privacy and protection standards (GDPR) during data handling and transfer. 

3. Create progress reports and carry out interim data analyses to support study monitoring and modelling. 

Generate monthly and quarterly study progress reports (recruitment rates, positivity rates, mortality outcomes) for the investigators. 

Perform routine preliminary analyses of incoming study data to track daily operational metrics and identify early trends in patient characteristics. 

Assist the Principal Investigator by preparing clean datasets and running initial descriptive statistics to support the broader analysis 

Visualise preliminary findings for presentation to the co-investigators and internal MSF platforms. 

4. Personal learning and professional development in operational research. 

Gain hands-on experience in managing a multi-country clinical study within a medical humanitarian organization. 

Receive mentorship on statistical modelling (Bayesian/simulation) and clinical study design. 

Participate in SAMU medical discussions, specifically focusing on Advanced HIV Disease and opportunistic infections. 

Deepen understanding of the challenges of implementing diagnostic tools in resource-constrained settings. 

Requirements 

1. Education

 Completed a university degree in medicine, epidemiology, public health, or a related field. 

Strong knowledge of HIV, advanced HIV disease, and opportunistic infections (specifically fungal infections is an asset)

2. Technical Skills 

Data analysis: basic skills in R (preferrable) or Python are essential (ability to write/edit scripts for data cleaning and visualization). 

Database management: Familiarity with REDCap or similar clinical data management systems. 

General IT: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). 

AI tools: competency using AI tools, such as NotebookLM, Gamma, Gemini/Claude/DeepSeek, is an advantage. 

3. Languages 

English: Fluency is mandatory. 

French is highly desirable (due to study sites in DRC, CAR, and Guinea). 

Portugues is an advantage as MSF partnering with institutions in Brazil.  

4. Key Behavioural Competencies 

Analytical thinking: Ability to handle complex data and modelling concepts. 

Attention to detail: Critical for database management maintenance. 

Adaptability: Willingness to learn new methodologies (e.g., Bayesian stats, computational simulation) under supervision. 

What we offer 

Monthly stipend: R5000.

Benefits: 100% Medical Aid contribution, Transport allowance, Cellphone allowance.

Resources: A fully equipped workspace, with a computer, internet, stationery and more. 

A supportive learning environment in a purpose-driven organisation. 

Opportunity to contribute to global humanitarian efforts.

Contract: 12-month internship.

Closing date: 2 March 2026

Starting date: ASAP

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, sexual orientation and all other diversity characteristics.

The protection of your data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

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