Job Description

THE EUROPEAN AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES CLINICAL TRIAL PARTNERSHIP (EDCTP)

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation's health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression.

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

Research Administration Fellowship

Cape Town Office

Duration: 1-year fixed term contract

Research administration and management is a growing field, with more professionals acquiring on-the-job training and completing professional qualifications in research and innovation management. A need for experienced leaders in research and innovation management has emerged, but Ph.D. graduates have had limited opportunities to actively prepare for careers in research administration. The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership programmes: EDCTP2 (2014-2024) and Global Health EDCTP3 (2022-2031) are aimed to accelerate development of interventions (drugs, vaccines and diagnostics) and capacity development for fighting infectious diseases and neglected tropical diseases. All projects take place in Africa. EDCTP in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is seeking to appoint two postdoctoral candidates to take responsibility for managing a portfolio of awards funded by the EDCTP2 programme. The research administration fellowship is designed to prepare recent Ph.D. graduates and/or postdoctoral trainees in the health sciences for a successful career in research administration through training in different aspects of research administration, practical work experience and direct mentorship from experienced research administration and management professionals.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide pre- and post-award administrative support to the Calls and Grants department to ensure timely delivery of operational activities.
• Monitor and evaluate progress and outcomes of the funded projects.
• Review of annual and final reports from grant holders to ensure timely delivery of contractual milestones and deliverables, in collaboration with EDCTP2's finance department.
• Collect and analyse outputs and outcomes from EDCTP2 projects.
• Produce summaries of EDCTP2 projects to support the EDCTP Communications department to promote EDCTP2 achievements.
• Maintaining and checking records and data in the EDCTP2 online grants system and e-document system
• Maintaining requests for contract amendment in collaboration with the EDCTP2 legal and finance departments
• Keep abreast of key scientific advances and policy development in the EDCTP remit.
• Draft papers, briefings, reports and other documents, as required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with EDCTP2 grant holders and other stakeholders, in order to encourage and promote partnership with EDCTP.
• Work with colleagues in other EDCTP2 and GH EDCTP3 departments/teams to achieve EDCTP objectives and deliverables.

Requirements

• A PhD in a biomedical/health related discipline to EDCTP, completed within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the scientific advances and developments in the EDCTP remit.
• Project management skills and/or experience in research management.
• Excellent IT skills including competence in Microsoft Office, data analysis and databases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Able to work in a matrix structure, managing a range of tasks and projects.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Highly adaptive team player.

Tenure and value

• The value of the fellowship is R350 000 per annum and does not include benefits.
• This is a 1-year contract post and renewal of contract will be subject to business requirements.

Conditions

• The successful candidate will be based at the EDCTP2 Secretariat in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Applicants must have a valid working permit in South Africa.
• The EDCTP Secretariats are characterised by a multicultural work environment and English is the official language.
• Women and disabled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Preference will be given to candidates from the historically disadvantaged groups.

Applicants are requested to submit the following:

• A covering letter indicating why the applicant may be appropriate for the award.
• A curriculum vitae
• A certified copy of ID book or passport (with valid Work permit/Visa- if applicable)
• Certified copies of qualifications

Terms & Conditions: The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. In accordance with the SAMRC's Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. By submitting your application, SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). Applicants are advised that the SAMRC has adopted a Workplace Policy on Covid-19 Vaccinations as part of its conditions of employment. The SAMRC does its best to provide the most accurate information; however, if there is anything wrong and unclear applicants are encouraged to contact the HR Recruitment Office at 021-938 0648 before the closing date.

Application deadline: 25 August 2023

For further inquiries please contact: Ms Mariska Louw at 021 938 0690.

PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R629A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.

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SAMRC