Unit Director (CTR) (781A) at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Lead and manage the CTR in conjunction with SU HoD in line with objectives of the SAMRC and SU.
• Appoint and be responsible for management of Researchers and Support Staff within the framework of the SAMRC’s conditions of service.
• Build networks locally, nationally and globally to ensure participation in the global consortia to impact knowledge translations and impact policy.
• Stakeholder Management.
• Work together with SU HoD’s and PIs to develop a strategic plan for the CTR.
• Write and secure grants and contracts to undertake research prioritised for the CTR.
• Build capacity through supervision of MSc and PhD students.
• Apply governance principles to ensure regulatory compliance, compliance with good laboratory practice and health and safety.
• Oversee the regulatory compliance of the BSL3 laboratory.
• Unit strengthening through management of the SAMRC baseline budget.
• Advance transformation by mentoring and building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC and SU’s Employment Equity Plan.
• Report scientific outputs, achievements (quarterly and financial statements (annually) to the SAMRC.
• Disclose any intellectual property to the SAMRC.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• A PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry Immunology, or other related field or a Medical Speciality.
• At least 10 years’ experience in research in the field of Tuberculosis or Infectious Diseases, of which 3 years must be in senior leadership and/or management capacity.
• NRF rated or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within the field of Tuberculosis or infectious disease.
• A track record of research, grants, publications – national and international (at least 50 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters)).
• Written successful research grant applications for international and national donors to support a research programme.
• Extensive experience in the management of projects, including the development of a multi-year programme of work.
• A track record of working effectively with relevant government departments, national and international partners, funders and other stakeholders.
• Evidence of research translation efforts and international leadership in the field Stakeholder engagement
• Leadership skills and experience in mentoring and managing a research unit or department.
• Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited faculty or keynote speaker.
• Led a programme of research (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects).
• Strong interest in capacity strengthening at the international, national and regional level.
• A track record of capacity building of emerging scientists through graduating Masters and PhD students and training staff in relevant research methods; track record of contributing to transformation initiatives.
• Human resource and financial management.
• Experience in leading a unit or department
• Staff management experience
• Financial and risk management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills.

PREFERENCE:

• A track record in executing high quality Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
• Excellent track record in supervising and evaluating Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
• Recognition internationally as a researcher in an area of Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
• Experience in leading projects with multi-million-rand research budgets.
• Experience in capacity building of the next generation scientist.
• An established network of researchers both locally and internationally.