Job Description

Job Advert Summary

The Division of Public Health, Societies and Belonging (PHSB) is seeking to appoint a dynamic and visionary Senior Research Director to lead the Centre for Community-Based Research (CCBR) based at the HSRC Sweetwaters site in Pietermaritzburg. This leadership position will strengthen the CCBR's contribution to the HSRC's 2025-2030 priorities, with a focus on intersectional, community-engaged research across health, well-being, identity, and belonging. The successful candidate will be expected to drive a transdisciplinary, impact-driven research agenda aligned to the HSRC's national and continental commitments, including the DSI Decadal Plan, Africa Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR

Office base: Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg

Reference: CCBR SRD

Minimum Requirements

A PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, or a relevant field in the social sciences or humanities. At least 10 years of senior-level research experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing community-based or large-scale implementation science projects. A strong track record in academic publishing, including first- or sole-authored outputs and international publications. Demonstrable success in leading multi-disciplinary teams and securing competitive research grants. Expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies. Proven ability to build strategic networks, influence public policy, and contribute to research for social justice and sustainable development. Excellent communication skills and experience in mentoring and developing diverse research teams. Fluency in English and at least one other African language is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience:


Experience in the implementation of inclusive, gender-responsive, or youth-focused community-based research. Previous leadership in multi-partner, transdisciplinary research collaborations addressing health and societal challenges in the Global South.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide scientific and policy research leadership in health, education, skills, social development and cohesion, guided by communities' focus and a better Africa and the world, as aligned with the HSRC Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Lead the design and implementation of multi-year, community-based research programmes that integrate behavioural, biomedical, and implementation science. Develop strategic research proposals and secure long-term funding to sustain and grow the CCBR's research footprint. Promote ethical research excellence, innovation, and measurable impact through high-quality outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and stakeholder engagement platforms. Foster inclusive research leadership, mentoring emerging scholars, and strengthening institutional research capabilities. * Translate research into practice by ensuring evidence uptake through policy engagement, community dialogues, and knowledge dissemination.