Job Description

In its vision to strive for equitable health and social wellbeing, SAPRIN generates valid and robust longitudinal data available to South African policymakers, implementation, programme and research communities. The research agenda is to understand population dynamics and promote effective interventions, respond to national and local research priorities aimed at under-resourced communities and support the achievement of Universal Health Care and the implementation of National Health Insurance. The SAPRIN platform comprises a network of seven harmonised health and demographic surveillance system population nodes located in diverse vulnerable and marginalised communities around the country, four in rural and three in metropolitan settings. Each node has a minimum population of 100 000 people. There are more than 600 000 people and 120 000 geolocated households across the seven nodes, that represent around 1% of the South African population. More details on the network and its data repository can be found on the SAPRIN website (https://saprin.mrc.ac.za).



SAPRIN is advertising for a new Director. The position requires a senior researcher with national and international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain the national research infrastructure to meet the goals of a newly established strategic plan. SAPRIN comprises a Management Hub based in the SAMRC Durban Offices that is led by the Director. It reports to a Steering Committee that is the main decision-making body, chaired by the SAMRC Vice-President, comprising nodal directors and representation of key stakeholders. Each SAPRIN node has its own governance structure and is linked to the Management Hub through a funding contract that stipulates the operations of the health and demographic surveillance system through a standardised research protocol. An independent Scientific and Policy Advisory Committee guides developments in the research programme.



The post holder will assist with and form an integral part of the SAMRC's transformation agenda.



Applicants for SAPRIN Director should possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Leading and managing all aspects of the national research infrastructure in line with its strategic plan. Building networks locally, nationally and globally to support the dissemination of research findings that aim to understand population dynamics and promote effective interventions, and to maximize impact on equitable health and social wellbeing. Leading on the enhancement of community agency through engagement with research Increasing awareness of and participation by service providers and research institutions with SAPRIN. Retaining, attracting and developing operational and research talent in an equitable manner. Leading the organisation in innovations that increase research efficiency and productivity. Developing and implementing an external research funding plan to augment core funding of SAPRIN Expanding the influence of SAPRIN beyond the borders of South Africa.

Duration of contract:

5 years

Remuneration:

Remuneration commensurate with experience and qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

A PhD in Public Health, or Medical or Allied Sciences At least 10 years' experience in research, of which 3 years must be in a senior leadership and/or management capacity within the Population or Public Health environment. NRF-rated OR evidence of international recognition in a focal area within Population or Public Health research. A track record of research, grants, publications - national and international (up to 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 relevant government departments, national and international partners, funders and other stakeholders. Evidence of research translation efforts and leadership in stakeholder engagement. Leadership skills in mentoring and managing a research team. Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited faculty or 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. Financial and risk management experience. Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills. Experience in leading a unit or department Staff management experience.

Closing Date:

30 January 2026 by 4:30 pm