Unit Director - EHRU (R690A) at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Research Unit in line with SAMRC objectives.
• To build networks locally, nationally and globally to support the dissemination of research and maximise impact on health and health/health service policy and practice.
• Development of strategic plan for the Unit.
• Apply governance principles throughout the research unit.
• Advance transformation by mentoring and building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan
• Develop, implement and monitor progress of the Transformation Strategy of the Unit.
• Write and secure grants and contracts to undertake research prioritised for the Unit.
• Stakeholder Management and scientific research.

KEY REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• A PhD in Environmental Epidemiology, Public Health, or other related field or a Medical Speciality
• At least 10 years’ experience in research, of which 3 years must be in a leadership and management capacity within the Epidemiology, or Public Health environment.
• At least 5 years management experience at a senior management level
• NRF A or B rating or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within Environment and Health research.
• 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 the National DOH, Provincial Departments, other relevant government departments, international partners, funders and other stakeholders to include health sector policy and services, understand national and regional environment and health research priorities and disseminate research evidence
• Evidence of research translation efforts and international leadership in the field Stakeholder engagement
• Leadership skills in mentoring and managing a research unit.
• Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited keynote speaker.
• Led a programme of research (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects)
• Strong interest in capacity strengthening at the 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 health research.
• Excellent track record in supervising and evaluating health research.
• Recognition internationally as a researcher in an area of 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