Job Description

SITE SCIENTIFIC LEAD /SENIOR SCIENTIFIC OFFICER
TWO (2) YEAR FIXED-TERM CONTRACT
AEROBIOLOGY TB UNIT | MASIPHUMELELE; FISHOEK
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a registered non-profit organisation focused on the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa.
We have fantastic job opportunities across our businesses for talented people wanting to realize their full potential. Could that be you? If so, we invite you to explore the possibility of joining us to play your part in Desmond Tutu Health Foundations' exciting future.
The main purpose of this position is to provide scientific leadership and technical oversight of the DTHF Aerobiology Research Centre (ARC). The role is responsible for guiding scientific outputs, supporting the Site Lead in advancing ARC's research agenda, and developing an independent research career by initiating and securing funding for new projects that utilize and expand the ARC's infrastructure and technical capabilities.

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a medical doctor (MBChB or equivalent) with a PhD and relevant research background may also be considered.
• Candidates must have relevant laboratory and/or aerobiology experience.
• At least 5-7 years' postdoctoral research experience in laboratory-based biomedical or aerobiology research.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals.
• Experience as a Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, or Investigator of Record on funded research studies.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Previous people management and mentorship experience (technical staff, junior scientists, or students).
• Strong scientific and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent scientific writing and grant-writing skills.
• Effective leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, able to engage both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Ability to foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a laboratory and research environment
• Advanced knowledge of aerobiology, microbiology, and/or respiratory pathogen research.
• Understanding of laboratory sampling processes and biosafety standards.
• Familiarity with research ethics, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Knowledge of the South African and international research funding landscape.
• Awareness of emerging technologies and methods relevant to aerobiology research.

Advantageous:

• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Scientist, or equivalent professional body (advantageous); required for medical doctors
• Postdoctoral research experience with demonstrated expertise in respiratory pathogens, infectious diseases, (preferred).

Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific oversight for current study design, implementation, and outputs in support of the current PI.
• Provide highly specialised technical guidance and oversight of laboratory and sampling set-up, validation, and optimisation.
• Review and interpret laboratory outputs to ensure accuracy, consistency, and scientific value.
• Ensure smooth collaboration between clinical, laboratory, and technical teams to meet project and/or grant deliverables.
• Ensure scientific alignment of operational activities with research objectives
• Be accountable for the oversight of study procedures including regulatory, clinical and laboratory processes
• Lead the analysis and interpretation of study data to ensure accuracy, validity, and scientific rigour.
• Monitor study progress to ensure compliance with and adherence to the study enrolment and target plans and to identify, evaluate and rectify any problems.
• Effectively communicate study expectations to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
• Manage study expectations with senior staff and other stakeholders.
• Represent ARC at a senior level in network conferences and meetings
• Day-to-day supervision of laboratory work, and review of written reports
• Oversight of staff induction, including training in relevant assay/ techniques
• Ensure that all staff have access to and adhere to organisation policies
• Manage staff according to the organisation values
• Ensure direct reports have clear annual deliverables and KPAs
• Provide the resources needed by staff to deliver on their KPAs
• Ensure that timekeeping is correct and timesheets are submitted on time
• Manage staff performance and carry out the necessary performance measurement processes (Bi-annual Development Dialogue and regular one on one meetings)
• Function as Investigator of Research (IOR) on network and other academic protocols
• Provide scientific input and guidance during weekly Scientific Brainstorm meetings, ensuring discussions align with ARC's research priorities
• Support the development of study protocols, plans, and communications documents.
• Develop and submit funding grants for new studies.
• Contribute to publication of original research and review articles as contributing or lead author, as relevant
• Present findings at relevant local and international conferences
• Mentor technical staff, junior scientists, and students to build future capacity in aerobiology.
• Provide training in data analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research culture.

Values fit: Passion Innovation Progress Integrity Respect Excellence
Submit a detailed cover letter, updated CV with certified copy of highest qualification and details of two (2) current contactable referees by 17 October 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you are a foreign national applying for this position, please attach a copy of your work permit to your application.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
If you have not heard from us within four weeks after the closing date please consider your application as unsuccessful.
We are committed to equity in our employment practices. It is our intention to appoint individuals with the aim of meeting our equity objectives. We reserve the right not to appoint if no suitable candidates are identified.
I understand and accept that by applying for this position, I authorized DTHF to process my personal information in accordance with its internal operational requirements.
I further understand that the personal information I disclose to DTHF will be processed in accordance with the requirements set out in the Protection of Personal Information Act and may include the transferring thereof to third parties for the purposes of verification.
This job may be removed before it expires.
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is a child-friendly organisation committed to the protection of children.
For more information about the organization please visit our website.

Skills Required