Specialist Scientist: Medical Scientist at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Job Summary

A position has become available for a Specialist Scientist 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. The post holder will assist with and form an integral part of the SAMRC’s transformation agenda.

To address the diverse responsibilities associated with this role, we are seeking a self-driven health scientist with expertise in diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The incumbent will contribute to the research programme on diabetes and related metabolic diseases, offering crucial support in project management, clinical research, data and statistical analysis, and laboratory support.

Responsibilities:

• Publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• · Apply for research funding from national and international stakeholders.
• To supervise/co-supervise postgraduate students (Masters and PhD).
• Principal investigator (PI) and Co-investigator on research projects.
• Review for international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Review research grants and abstracts for conferences.
• Present at national/ international conferences or seminars.
• Effectively manage, train and develop students and staff.
• Assist with the management of the BRIP Platform and involvement in SAMRC administrative/community engagement processes.
• To advance transformation by mentoring and building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan
• To develop, implement and monitor progress of the Transformation Strategy of the Unit.

Core Requirements:

• PhD in Medical or Biological Sciences (Physiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, public health, epidemiology) or similar relevant qualification or higher with five years of experience post qualification.
• Track record in publishing first, second 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).
• Track record of leading research projects in the last 5 years
• Proven track record of writing grants as PI and attracting funding in the last 5 years.
• Proven clinical and/or laboratory skills, and project management skills.
• Proven skills in data and statistical analysis
• Ability to independently plan experimental workflows for multiple experiments.
• Track record of supervising and graduating recent Ph.D. and/or MSc students
• Ability to provide guidance and collaborate in a team environment.
• Experience with oral presentations.
• Experience in reviewing of research papers and/or national grants.
• Knowledge and research experience in diabetes
• Strong statistical background with use of R and/or STATA
• Experience with genetic analysis.
• Experience with bioinformatics analysis and omics-based research.
• Experience in human clinical and/or intervention research trials.

Advantageous:

• Experience in clinically oriented laboratory research and working with human samples.
• NRF rating