Deputy Director at South African Medical Research Council

Job description

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression. The organisation prides itself on three core values: being pioneering, striving for excellence and working collaboratively.

Three-year contract

The Burden of Disease Research Unit (BoDRU) focuses on the measurement and analysis of trends in health status and risk factors, as well as strengthening health information systems. The Unit seeks to employ a Deputy Director in Cape Town.

The incumbent will report to the unit director and will be responsible for the following strategic and core key result areas:

• Unit management and strategic leadership
• Contribution to the image and reputation of the SAMRC, and in particular the Burden of Disease Research Unit • To manage major research projects and staff
• Grant proposal writing and generating income through grants and contracts as principal investigator
• Mentorship and support of researchers and supervision of Masters and PhD students
• Publication of indexed peer-reviewed articles
• Translation of research findings and influencing policy development.

Core requirements:

• A PhD in epidemiology, public health, population health, health economics, demography, and/or related medical specialist qualification
• Management experience pertaining to Business Strategy and budgeting processes
• Experience in the management of research projects and staff
• A research leader with an established international research record and standing, in the field of health metrics and evaluation, in order to meaningfully contribute to the strategic research performance and direction of the Burden of Disease Research Unit
• An NRF-rated scientist or, in the absence thereof, a demonstrable track record which suggests an expected trajectory to achieve at least the requirement of a C rating
• A track record of research grant income generation
• A track record of 1st author of ISI peer-reviewed scientific publications in the field of health metrics and evaluation
• A track record of supervising Masters and PhD students until graduation.

Remuneration: A competitive package, which will be pensionable, commensurate with the experience, qualifications and research standing of the candidate, will be negotiated.

The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment.