Job Vacancies 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

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Responsibilities:

• Evidence of strong academic background and peer-reviewed ISI publication record in Biostatistics or book chapters
• The ability to undertake projects in Biostatistical methodology and applied Biostatistical research project; or being a co-investigator or study statistician in health-related project.
• Ability to communicate statistical concepts and information to non-statisticians in health and clinical sciences.
• Write-up study design, sample size and analysis plan of proposals including data management, analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Poster or oral presentations at local or international conferences or at external meetings where own research is presented by the statistician.
• Statistical support of master’s or PhD students.
• Assist in organising academic days, journal clubs, etc.

Core Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Statistics or Mathematical Statistics and registered for PhD in Statistics or related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in clinical or health research environment
• At least 5 ISI peer-reviewed publications
• At least 3 research presentations at conferences/meetings
• At least 5 hours of teaching/training
• Start of work on PhD research
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

Advantageous:

• Experience working in epidemiology and public health research groups and centers.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and configure servers, storage systems, networks, and security systems, ensuring high availability, optimal performance, and robust disaster recovery.
• Provide expert technical support and leadership to IT engineers and support staff.
• Facilitate the adoption of new technologies by researchers and staff, offering both in-person and remote assistance.
• Ensure the reliable and efficient operation of IT infrastructure aligning with the organization's business goals.
• Develop strategies for technology platforms, partnerships, and external relationships.
• Lead the selection and implementation of technology solutions to address current and future organizational needs.
• Assist with the development of annual operating and capital budgets for IT purchasing, and operations.
• Implement and maintain technology standards and practices, ensuring adherence across the organization.
• Monitor and analyze technology performance metrics.
• Manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with external service providers.
• Travel to various SAMRC sites across South Africa.

Core Requirements:

• 3-year National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology Services or Degree in Related Field or similar qualification or higher
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) or Equivalent Microsoft Certifications
• VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCP)
• Veeam Certified Engineer (VMCE) and the Veeam Certified Architect (VMCA).
• 10+ Years’ experience in supporting a enterprise Microsoft server environment running on a VMware platform
• A valid code 8/B driver’s license

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Key Responsibilities:

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 Cochrane systematic reviews, methodological research and primary research to enhance evidence-informed healthcare and policy. Applicants should possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Considerable experience and understanding in the conduct of Cochrane reviews or equivalent systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
• Experience in health-related research at a senior level, with international standing
• Extensive experience in the management of projects, staff and budgets, including the development of a multi-year programme of work.
• Sound knowledge of the health system and disease burden of South Africa and the African region
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and a passionate champion of ‘evidence-based medicine/practice’.
• Extensive experience or knowledge of the working of The Cochrane Collaboration, within South Africa and/or internationally.
• Experience in training others in these methods.
• Ability to work collaboratively, and to provide leadership.
• Ability to work with people from a range of backgrounds, including healthcare and methodological specialists.
• 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.

Core Requirements:

• The post requires that the jobholder have a medical degree with specialist qualifications or a doctoral degree preferably in the health sciences, with a sound knowledge of epidemiology and/ biostatistics and a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of health research. Experience in knowledge translation would be advantageous. The post holder should have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel nationally, and internationally.

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Responsibilities:

• Engage in planning around recruitment and retention.
• Screen, recruit and enroll participants.
• Set-up and schedule follow-up appointments with participants, as needed.
• Conduct informed consent procedures with participants.
• Conduct face to face interviews with participants
• Reimbursement of participants and ensure relevant forms completed.

Core Requirements:

• Grade 12/Matric or similar relevant qualification or higher
• Experience with conducting health research interviews.
• Understanding trauma caused by gender-based violence.
• Fluency in English and the local languages as indicated below:
• Pretoria: SAMRC Office, research site: Sepedi or Setswana
• Stellenbosch: Winelands research site: Afrikaans or isiXhosa
• Durban: Chatsworth research site: isiZulu or isiXhosa
• Modimolle: Waterberg research site: Sepedi or Setswana

Advantageous:

• 2 -3 years Diploma or degree
• Experience working with gender-based violence research.
• Code 08 manual Driver’s License

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Responsibilities:

• Publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• To apply for research funding from national and international stakeholders.
• To supervise/co-supervise postgraduate students (Master’s 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 EHRU 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 field epidemiology, public health, environmental chemistry or similar health related sciences
• Three years post PhD experience in a research environment
• Track record of at least two successful research grants for which the applicant was Principal Investigator
• A minimum of 5 first author publications in ISI rated journals.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience engaged in teaching or training.
• Supervision of a minimum of 2 graduated students
• Proficient in statistical analysis
• Code 08 Manual Driver license

Advantageous:

• 5 years working experience of environmental health issues within a research institute or related environment.