Open to opportunities

Mbalenhle Kubheka

@mbalenhlekubheka

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Public health researcher focused on HIV/STI clinical trials, community engagement, and data-driven publications.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for senior research roles leading clinical or behavioural studies where I can manage teams, ensure high-quality data, engage communities, and drive publication and policy impact.

I am a public health researcher and counsellor with extensive experience in HIV, STI, and COVID-19 clinical trials, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to produce actionable evidence. I have contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and collaboratively led manuscript writing and journal submissions.

My strengths include study design, protocol and SOP development, ethical approvals, and rigorous data quality control using tools like REDCap, NVivo, EndNote, Mendeley and Dedoose. I routinely manage participant recruitment, informed consent, counselling, and sensitive participant support aligned with GCP and study distress guidelines.

I have a strong track record in project coordination, regulatory file management, training and supervising research staff, and community and stakeholder engagement through Community Advisory Groups. I also bring experience in QA/QC processes including CAPA, ALCOAC, CEA, and CQMP reporting.

I seek roles where I can lead research efforts, mentor teams, and translate findings into policy and practice, leveraging my background in public health, behavioural studies, and clinical research coordination.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate Researcher

Current

Wits Health Consortium

Nov 2024 - Present (10 months)

Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting for clinical studies; ensure data quality, obtain ethical approvals, and supervise research staff to meet project timelines and protocol standards.

Qualitative Research Quantitative Analysis REDCap NVIVO Data Quality Assurance Ethics Submissions

Co-investigator

Wits Health Consortium

Jan 2023 - May 2025 (2 years 4 months)

Led grant applications, study design, manuscript coordination and data interpretation; conducted FGDs and interviews and managed regulatory files and study coordination for multi-site projects.

Focus Groups Transcription Project Management Data Analysis

Counsellor / CER Specialist

Wits Health Consortium

Oct 2017 - May 2025 (7 years 7 months)

Provided HIV, STI and COVID-19 counselling, participant recruitment/retention, community education and QA/QC activities; developed SOPs, ICFs and conducted staff training and stakeholder engagement.

HIV STI Counselling Community Engagement SOP Development QA&QC CAPA Staff Training

Substance Use Support Facilitator

Itireleng Community Centre

Jan 2015 - Dec 2018 (3 years 11 months)

Led and coordinated community support groups for substance use recovery; trained volunteers, facilitated family interventions and managed programme registration and follow-up.

Facilitation Family Intervention Referrals

Crisis Line Counselor

Childline Gauteng

Mar 2013 - Aug 2016 (3 years 5 months)

Provided telephone crisis counselling, case management and referrals, performing risk assessments and maintaining accurate case records for vulnerable callers.

Crisis Intervention Case Management Risk Assessment Referrals

Helpline Counselor

SADAG

Apr 2015 - Jul 2016 (1 year 3 months)

Provided helpline counselling, conducted school talks, handled referrals and performed risk assessments while maintaining case records and supporting callers in crisis.

Case Management Risk Assessment Referrals

Research Administrator

National Institute for Communicable Diseases

Mar 2016 - May 2016 (2 months)

Conducted surveillance, interviews and data capturing; maintained inventories, record filing and assisted with specimen labeling and preparation for shipping to support surveillance activities.