Senior Scientist

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PLATFORM
(CAPE TOWN OFFICE)
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.

Senior Scientist (S) / Specialist Scientist: Medical Scientist

PERMANENT POST
A position has become available for a Senior Scientist (S)/Specialist Scientist in the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform. The Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform is a dynamic research platform within the Centers and Platform Office of the South African Medical Research Council. The Platform focuses on health research and innovation, aimed at the early detection, prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The post holder will assist with and form an integral part of the SAMRC’s transformation agenda.

To address the diverse responsibilities associated with this role, we are seeking a self-driven health scientist. The incumbent will contribute to the research programme on diabetes and related metabolic diseases, offering crucial support in project management, clinical research, data and statistical analysis, and laboratory support.

Responsibilities:

1. Principal investigator and Co-investigator on research projects.
2. Apply for research funding from national and international stakeholders.
3. Publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.
4. To train/co-supervise postgraduate students (Masters and PhD), with the focus on building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan.
5. Contribute to local and international science through reviews of journal articles and grant applications.
6. Present at national/international conferences or seminars.
7. Assist with SAMRC research, administrative and community engagement processes.

Core Requirements:

1. PhD in Medical/Health Sciences or similar relevant qualification or higher.
2. Three to four years for Senior Scientist (S) level and five years of experience post qualification for Specialist Scientist.
3. Track record in publishing first, second and/or senior authored original research articles after obtaining PhD (Minimum of five post PhD peer-reviewed journal articles - three as first author, excluding reviews).
4. Track record of co-author on research grants and co-investigator on research projects for Senior Scientist (S) and track record of successful grant writing and leading research projects in the last 5 years for Specialist Scientist.
5. Proven track record of clinically-oriented research and project management.
6. Proven skills in data and statistical analysis.
7. Track record of training, mentoring, supervising and graduating recent Ph.D. and/or MSc students and junior staff members.

Advantageous:

1. Experience in diabetes research.
2. Strong statistical background with use of R and/or STATA.

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.

A salary in the region of R917 251 to R1 086 914 per annum in line with the appropriate level, cost-to-company will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.

Closing date: 24 December 2024 at 12:00 pm.
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R 723C) 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.