Research jobs in South Africa

We invite applications for a Senior Scientist role at the Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), an intra-mural research unit at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). HSRU supports decision-making in health and social policy to strengthen health systems to achieve universal health coverage. An appropriately qualified and experienced researcher is required to join our team on a full-time basis to support the successful conduct of evidence synthesis and knowledge translation research which will assist in informing clinical guidelines and health technology assessment decisions for health system and services strengthening.

The position will involve supporting and leading research, grant writing, project management, stakeholder engagement, and publishing and communicating scientific publications.

• Lead the development of research within the field of health policy and systems and publish scientific research in peer reviewed journals
• Conference and meeting presentations at local or international conferences or at external meetings
• Collaborate on proposal writing for grant funding
• Lead scientific project work, including managing timelines, budget, staff support, output quality, project risk, research dissemination and stakeholder engagement
• Capacity development, including the supervision of Masters’ students, facilitating workshops, and mentoring
• Research translation, including contributing to policies, guidelines or legislation; reviewing abstracts, journal articles, proposals; and development of research translation strategies
• Contributing to the scientific life of the Unit through journal clubs, research days and other relevant activities

• A salary in the region of R 909 300.00 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.

• Master’s or higher degree in Clinical Epidemiology or Public Health and progress towards a PhD in related field
• At least five years working experience in quantitative research, including systematic review methods
• 5 lifetime publications, with 3 as first author
• First author of published research; at least five ISI peer-reviewed ISI journal articles published
• Three years of experience in health research for health policy, guidelines or health technology assessment or related
• Record of successful research and/or equipment grant
• Familiar with tools for quantitative analysis of systematic reviews (e.g. Revman, STATA or similar)
• Teaching experience at postgraduate level or equivalent engagement in teaching or training
• Ability to communicate information and ideas, provide research support including liaising with other stakeholders
• Presenting research findings and reports at relevant conferences/meetings, oral presentations at local or international conferences

• Previous experience in research for health policy and guidelines
• Undergraduate degree in a clinical or allied health profession
• Experience and understanding of knowledge translation, health economics
• Experience in networking and collaborating with international partners and stakeholders, including policymakers
• Lead investigator of research grants

• 27 January 2026