Senior Data Specialist at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Responsibilities:

• Develop and promote common data systems across the Network
• Strengthen data management community of practice
• Manage the specification and acquisition of common SAPRIN data systems
• Contribute to the development and implementation of SAPRIN nodal project data management plans
• Develop and promote data quality assessment and assurance standards across the network
• Manage the SAPRIN Core infrastructure
• Definition and harmonization of common data elements
• Regular submission of the core data by SAPRIN nodes
• Quality assurance of contributed core data elements
• Storage of core data elements on SAPRIN cloud infrastructure
• Formalise SAPRIN operational framework
• Establish and maintain SAPRIN Data Repository
• Document and load datasets onto the repository
• Assisting users to register on the repository
• Interact with data users to design datasets and assist with data analysis
• Provide repository usage statistics and user satisfaction ratings
• Maintains industry awareness of data system related products and provides feedback to SAPRIN nodes and management on data system productivity/performance issues
• Design and implement new technology and data system features
• Publish findings in peer review literature
• Develop training material for longitudinal data analysis of population dynamics
• Training SAPRIN data managers, SAPRIN Project partners and SAPRIN Data Repository users.
• Own capacity building
• Plan direct, and coordinate activities of designated projects to ensure that goals of projects are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters
• Contribute to the development of data management strategies during projects

CoreRequirements: 

• Four-year tertiary qualification (Hons) in Data Science, Computer Science, or related quantitative discipline. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data management in health research, clinical trials, or public health setting.
• Experience with large datasets and or longitudinal datasets. 
• Demonstrated experience in supervising teams of data officers. 
• Experience in capacity building and training in data management practices. 
• Track record of contributing to large, multi-site or national-level projects. 
• Strong proficiency in data management systems (e.g., REDCap, OpenClinica, DHIS2, ODK, or similar platforms). 
• Familiarity with data integration, interoperability, and standard coding systems (e.g., ICD-10, HL7, CDISC).

 Advantages: 

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline.
• At least 10 years’ experience in Data Management, including 3 years’ experience in leadership roles.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, SAS, or SPSS)

Closing Date:

23rd April 2026