Job Opportunities at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

• The South African Medical Research Council, Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU) requires a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Scientist (competent). This position falls under the EHRU’s Programme for Persistent Toxic Substances. Applicants should have a keen interest in research related to heavy metals and the impacts on human health. To cover the multifaceted aspects of the post, we require an energetic person with a strong theoretical and practical background in environmental health issues as well as social science research.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the qualitative data collection and analysis using appropriate software (e.g. NVIVO)
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement
• Project management, including report writing and working within timelines and budgets
• Contribute and work on study protocols and SOP
• Present research results to funders and/or collaborators at local and/or national meetings and conferences
• Work collaboratively with internal and external scientists.

Core Requirements:

• Master’s degree in social science, environmental studies, public health or similar qualification.
• At least 5 years research experience working in a research environment (i.e. university, science council or similar)
• At least 4 years’ experience in project management and data management (including supervising data collection, training of field teams, budgets)
• Experience using a variety of qualitative research methods, including conducting semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.
• Experience with qualitative analysis and use of appropriate qualitative analytical software (e.g. NVivo)
• Experience with stakeholder engagement
• One 1st authored publication in a national/international peer-reviewed journal.
• Experience with capacity development
• Willing and able to travel
• Code 8 driver’s license

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of public health issues in the informal sector
• Knowledge of Photovoice methodology
   

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• The Unit Director position calls for a senior researcher with international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain a centre of excellence that facilitates the generation and dissemination of methodological research and primary research to enhance evidence-informed healthcare and policy. Applicants should possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:

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 prioritized for the Unit.
•  Stakeholder Management and scientific research.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

•  A PhD in Epidemiology or Public Health or Life Sciences
•  MBCHB/Medical Specialty in a Non-communicable diseases specialty (Advantageous)
•  HPCSA registration as a medical doctor (specialist), medical scientist or other allied health professional
•  At least 10 years’ experience in research, of which 3 years must be in senior leadership and/or management capacity within the Epidemiology, or Public Health environment.
•  NRF rated or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within Non-communicable diseases 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 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 in mentoring and managing a research unit.
•  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 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

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• We are looking for an Administrator with a creative mind, excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated and motivated with good customer service experience.

Responsibilities will include:

• Hosting of guests - meet and great clients
• Ensuring venues are set up as client requested.
• Manage clients programme times.
• Ensure correct meals are prepared for the clients.
• Assist with on-site requirements from clients.
• Assist with stock sheets.
• Assist with quotes/JDE requests.
• Assist with Petty Cash
• Assist with Conference Centre booking system/Calendar.
• General admin duties

Core Requirements:

• Applicable or relevant post matric training courses
• 2 years’ experience in event planning, administration, customer service, or hospitality industry

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

• Experience of working on a venue booking system
• Experience of working on a financial system
• Extensive MS Office knowledge and skills particularly in Word, PowerPoint and Excel, as well as electronic diary scheduling using Outlook
• Capable of multi-tasking in order to provide excellent support
• Good communication skills with the ability to work under pressure

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• The Unit Director position calls for a senior researcher with international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain a centre of excellence that facilitates the generation and dissemination of methodological research and primary research to enhance evidence-informed healthcare and policy. Applicants should possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:

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 prioritized for the Unit.
•  Stakeholder Management and scientific research.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

•  A PhD in Epidemiology or Public Health or a Medical Speciality.
•  HPCSA registration as a medical doctor (specialist), medical scientist or other allied health professional
•  At least 15 years’ experience in research, of which 8 years must be in senior leadership and/or management capacity within the Epidemiology, or Public Health environment.
•  NRF rated or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within HIV and other Infectious research.
•  A track record of research, grants, publications – national and international (between 50 and 80 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 clinical trials experience, including protocol development, principal investigator and site leader experience.
•  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 of stakeholder engagement
•  Leadership skills in mentoring and managing a research unit.
•  Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited faculty member and/or keynote speaker.
•  Led research programmes with multi-million-rand research budgets (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects)
•  Record of 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

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• This position aligns with two large projects being carried out by the Climate Change and Human Health Programme team. These projects focus on climate change, air pollution and health. Applicants should have a keen interest in gender research related to environmental or public health.
• To cover the multifaceted aspects of the post, we require an energetic person with a strong theoretical and practical background / experience in environmental health.

Responsibilities:

• To Contribute to peer-reviewed articles, proposals, conference presentations, posters, research briefs, lay person publications.
• Management of research projects.
• Liaise with international and national partners.
• Financial management and administrative work.
• Provide feedback at internal meetings, workshops, project team meetings, report on literature reviewed.
• Filing of information and application on JDE system.
• Logistic, planning and coordinating aspects of research projects.
• Record keeping, data collection and conduct research.

Core Requirements

• 4-year tertiary qualification in environmental health or equivalent.
• 1 years working experience of within a research institute or related environment.
• 1 year working as a project coordinator in a research environment.

Advantageous:

• Honors degree in environmental health or equivalent
• At least 2 years working experience in a gender research environment.