Site Scientific Lead /Senior Scientific Officer at Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a medical doctor (MBChB or equivalent) with a PhD and relevant research background may also be considered.
• Candidates must have relevant laboratory and/or aerobiology experience.
• At least 5–7 years’ postdoctoral research experience in laboratory-based biomedical or aerobiology research.
•  Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals.
• Experience as a Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, or Investigator of Record on funded research studies.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Previous people management and mentorship experience (technical staff, junior scientists, or students).
• Strong scientific and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent scientific writing and grant-writing skills.
• Effective leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, able to engage both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Ability to foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a laboratory and research environment
• Advanced knowledge of aerobiology, microbiology, and/or respiratory pathogen research.
• Understanding of laboratory sampling processes and biosafety standards.
• Familiarity with research ethics, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Knowledge of the South African and international research funding landscape.
•  Awareness of emerging technologies and methods relevant to aerobiology research.

 Advantageous:

• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Scientist, or equivalent professional body (advantageous); required for medical doctors
• Postdoctoral research experience with demonstrated expertise in respiratory pathogens, infectious diseases, (preferred).

Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific oversight for current study design, implementation, and outputs in support of the current PI.
• Provide highly specialised technical guidance and oversight of laboratory and sampling set-up, validation, and optimisation.
• Review and interpret laboratory outputs to ensure accuracy, consistency, and scientific value.
• Ensure smooth collaboration between clinical, laboratory, and technical teams to meet project and/or grant deliverables.
• Ensure scientific alignment of operational activities with research objectives
• Be accountable for the oversight of study procedures including regulatory, clinical and laboratory processes
• Lead the analysis and interpretation of study data to ensure accuracy, validity, and scientific rigour.
• Monitor study progress to ensure compliance with and adherence to the study enrolment and target plans and to identify, evaluate and rectify any problems.
• Effectively communicate study expectations to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
• Manage study expectations with senior staff and other stakeholders.
• Represent ARC at a senior level in network conferences and meetings
• Day-to-day supervision of laboratory work, and review of written reports
• Oversight of staff induction, including training in relevant assay/ techniques
• Ensure that all staff have access to and adhere to organisation policies
• Manage staff according to the organisation values
• Ensure direct reports have clear annual deliverables and KPAs
• Provide the resources needed by staff to deliver on their KPAs
• Ensure that timekeeping is correct and timesheets are submitted on time
• Manage staff performance and carry out the necessary performance measurement processes (Bi-annual Development Dialogue and regular one on one meetings)
• Function as Investigator of Research (IOR) on network and other academic protocols
• Provide scientific input and guidance during weekly Scientific Brainstorm meetings, ensuring discussions align with ARC’s research priorities
• Support the development of study protocols, plans, and communications documents.
• Develop and submit funding grants for new studies.
• Contribute to publication of original research and review articles as contributing or lead author, as relevant
• Present findings at relevant local and international conferences
• Mentor technical staff, junior scientists, and students to build future capacity in aerobiology.
• Provide training in data analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research culture.