Job Description

ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH RESEARCH UNIT

(PRETORIA, JOHANNESBURG, CAPE TOWN, DURBAN)

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. The organisation prides itself on six values: pioneering, partnering, excellence, respect, integrity, and citizenship.

Individuals are invited to submit applications in response to the following position:

UNIT DIRECTOR

Duration: 5 year contract

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation's health and quality of life through promoting and conducting relevant and responsive health research.

The Environment and Health Research Unit (E&HRU) is an intramural unit at the SAMRC. The SAMRC's Environment & Health Research Unit (E&HRU) conducts population-based research on environmental risks to health xe2x80x93 with particular emphasis on those living in poverty. The E&HRU xe2x80x93 which is made up of experts in environmental epidemiology, public health, chemistry, geography, botany, environmental management and science communication - protects and promotes the health of South African communities by investigating environmental health risks and informing policy.

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

The Unit Director position calls for a senior researcher with international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain a centre of excellence that facilitates the generation and dissemination of methodological research and primary research to enhance evidence-informed healthcare and policy. Applicants should possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Research Unit in line with SAMRC objectives.

• To build networks locally, nationally and globally to support the dissemination of research and maximise impact on health and health/health service policy and practice.

• Development of strategic plan for the Unit.

• Apply governance principles throughout the research unit.

• Advance transformation by mentoring and building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC's Employment Equity Plan

• Develop, implement and monitor progress of the Transformation Strategy of the Unit.

• Write and secure grants and contracts to undertake research prioritised for the Unit.

• Stakeholder Management and scientific research.

KEY REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• A PhD in Environmental Epidemiology, Public Health, or other related field or a Medical Speciality

• At least 10 years' experience in research, of which 3 years must be in a leadership and management capacity within the Epidemiology, or Public Health environment.

• At least 5 years management experience at a senior management level

• NRF A or B rating or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within Environment and Health research.

• A track record of research, grants, publications xe2x80x93 national and international (at least 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 the National DOH, Provincial Departments, other relevant government departments, international partners, funders and other stakeholders to include health sector policy and services, understand national and regional environment and health research priorities and disseminate research evidence

• Evidence of research translation efforts and international leadership in the field Stakeholder engagement

• Leadership skills in mentoring and managing a research unit.

• Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited 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 in leading a unit or department

• Staff management experience

• Financial and risk management experience

• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills

PREFERENCE:

• A track record in executing high quality health research.

• Excellent track record in supervising and evaluating health research.

• Recognition internationally as a researcher in an area of research

• Experience in leading projects with multi-million-rand research budgets

• Experience in capacity building of the next generation scientist

• An established network of researchers both locally and internationally

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). 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.

The MRC offers a total cost-to-company remuneration package will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 26 January 2024

PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R690A) 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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