To design and implement research projects on climate change and health, analyze study findings, and publish scientific articles
Work with multi-disciplinary research groups across Africa, in the EU, UK, and USA
Contribute to projects funded by the Wellcome Trust, NIH, and other donors within the Climate and Health Directorate
These projects will generate evidence to mount a response to climate change in Africa
We document the health impacts of heat waves and extreme heat on vulnerable populations in Africa, including pregnant women, infants, HIV-infected adults, and healthcare workers, and we assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce these impacts
Location:
Hillbrow, Johannesburg
Key performance areas:
Participate in discussions regarding the future direction of research strategies and plans for Wits RHI
Obtain ethical approval from relevant regulatory bodies
Write research protocols and SOPs for studies
Develop and design research tools
Conduct fieldwork/data collection (interviews, focus group discussions, etc.)
Monitor the progress of research projects
Write progress reports to stakeholders including networks and funders
Stay abreast with relevant research findings and collaborate closely with other investigators on related studies
Identify potential topics for publications that add to the body of knowledge on climate change and health using existing data
Initiate and conduct a literature review to support the write-up of research findings
Identify target journals that have a high impact factor
Lead the development of a manuscript
Coordinate inputs from contributors to the manuscript
Conduct data analysis (with input from the statistical team) and write up the results
Complete manuscript within agreed-upon timelines, submit for publication and respond timeously to peer reviews
Compile conference presentations as requested
Disseminate research findings internally and to universities and other stakeholders such as communities, CABs, and media
Identify research funding opportunities to expand and sustain the climate and Health Directorate
Lead or significantly contribute to grant proposals from initiation to conclusion
Ensure the quality of the written proposal
Coordinate inputs from other contributors
Ensure grant proposals are compliant with submission requirements
Support the development of budgets for the proposed grants
Support the submission of grants on relevant grant portals within submission timelines
Attend to all staffing requirements and administration
Supervise and manage the duties of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilization and maintenance of sound labor relations
Perform and facilitate performance development and assessments
Identify substandard performance by team members and take necessary corrective action
Coach and train subordinates and team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organization
Promote harmony, teamwork, and sharing of information
Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management
Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained
Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
Take ownership of driving your own career development by attending training and development sessions and relevant forums/meetings
Maintain and update expertise and knowledge of developments in the field
Required minimum education and training:
PhD in appropriate discipline OR a Higher Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Sociology, or Anthropology
Required minimum work experience:
Minimum 5-8 years research experience
Management of research programs with a record of research outputs evidenced by at least ten published articles in refereed journals
Qualitative researchers, public health practitioners, or epidemiologists
Membership of Professional/School/Faculty/Department Committees and/or taking leadership roles in the Public Health domain within the academic, public, or NGO sectors
Professional body registration:
Relevant registration body
Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities:
Experience in public health will be an advantage
Some basic knowledge of the impact of climate change on health is desirable
Certification in Good Clinical Practice
Experience working in a low- or middle-income country
Experience in writing research protocols, designing tools, and investigator-driven studies
Ordered, systematic, and analytical in approach to research, with experience in managing and analyzing qualitative datasets
Familiarity with data analysis software (qualitative)
Good administrative skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Tactful, respectful and non-judgmental
Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
Self-motivated, able to work independently and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Assertive, confident, and adaptable
Able to show proof of publication records and conference presentations
Familiarity with local SA ethics or regulatory guidelines, and experience with the ethics review process
Demands of the job:
National and international travel and overtime/weekends may be required from time to time
Working in rural areas or under-resourced and/or unpleasant circumstances may be experienced from time to time
Working in a pressurized environment
TO APPLY:
Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
Please Apply Online.
Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
The closing date for all applications: 28 August 2023.
Note AJ Personnel is fully POPI compliant.
Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.
Please note:
AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.
Apply
Company Description
The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa's health challenges.
It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology.