Specialist Scientist: Medical Scientist - BRIP - R 607A at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Positions have become available for Specialist Scientists in the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform. The Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform is a dynamic research platform within the Centers and Platform Office of the South African Medical Research Council. The Platform focusses on health research and innovation, aimed at the early detection, prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• Post 1 - To cover the multifaceted aspects of the post, we require an energetic person with a molecular biology background applicable to research in the fields of diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The incumbent will work with the Epigenetics/Obesity/Diabetes in Pregnancy team to provide laboratory and project management support in various aspects of research, including molecular biology and epigenetics.
• Post 2 - The position requires a self-motivated molecular biologist with expertise in diabetes and its associated cardiovascular complications. The incumbent will form an integral part of Diabetes/Hypertension/Cardiometabolic research team that focuses on understanding mechanisms leading to cardiovascular dysfunction. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct laboratory-based research as well as provide project management support to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Responsibilities:

• Publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• To apply for research funding from national and international stakeholders.
• To supervise/co-supervise postgraduate students (Masters and PhD).
• Principal investigator (PI) and Co-PI on research projects.
• Review for international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Review research grants and abstracts for conferences.
• Give special (invited) talks at national/ international conferences or seminars.
• Oral presentations.
• Effectively manage, train and develop students and staff.
• Assist with the management of the BRIP Platform and involvement in SAMRC administrative/community engagement processes.

Core Requirements:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology or similar relevant qualification with five years of experience post qualification.
• Track record in publishing first and/or senior authored original research articles after obtaining PhD (Minimum of five peer reviewed journal articles - three as first author, excluding reviews - post PhD).
• Proven laboratory, molecular biology, statistical analysis, and project management skills
• Demonstrated history of leading projects and supervision of postgraduate students (PhD and Masters students).
• Demonstrated ability of writing grants and attracting funding.
• Ability to independently plan experimental workflows for multiple experiments.
• Ability to perform data analysis, interpret and draw conclusions from data.
• Ability to provide guidance and collaborate in a team environment.
• Experience in oral presentations.
• Reviewing of research papers and national grants.
• Experience in clinically oriented laboratory research and working with human samples.

Advantageous:

• Experience with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis
• Experience with multiple-omics-based research and functional genomics
• Experience in cell culture and metabolomics
• Experience in laboratory animal science
• Experience in epigenetics
• NRF rating

Closing Date: 10 June 2023