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SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (SAMRC)
 
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 three core values: being pioneering, striving for excellence and working collaboratively.
 
The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. Should no feedback be received within 30 days of the closing date, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
 
Vacancy: Senior Scientist (E) 
SHeS’Cap Study 
12- Month Fixed-term contract position
Unit/Directorate: Burden of Disease Research Unit
Region : Cape Town
 
Closing date: 13 December 2020
 
 
The South African Medical Research Council’s Burden of Disease Research Unit seeks to appoint a senior scientist with knowledge in conducting HIV surveillance research.  The incumbent will be employed to work in Cape Town for a year and will be part of the Strengthening Health System’s Capacity (SHeS’Cap) for Linkage to Care and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for AGYW and ABYM projects in uMgungundlovu district.
 
The aim of these multi-year projects is to conduct implementation science to evaluate and promote the systematic uptake of evidence-based practices for improving linkage to care among AGYW and ABYM into the health service and to strengthen the availability of pertinent health information required to improve linkage to care at the district level.
 
Responsibilities: 
  • Key responsibilities include contributing towards science outcomes (publications, research proposals and writing grants/sourcing for funding), planning, tracking, implementing, managing scientific initiatives and coordinating projects (own, unit funded, or CDC sponsored). Be familiar with all the policies and procedures related to the project
  • Consolidate and contribute to scientific reports and papers for publication and present research results at scientific conferences and scientific or collaborators’ meetings
 
 
Core Requirements: 
  • Master’s degree or equivalent in public health, health systems research, health information systems or related field
  • Experience in design, implementation, analysis, interpretation and reporting of health system and public health research
  • Good experience in HIV surveillance and Tier.net
  • At least 2 years’ experience post qualification in public health research, health systems research or other relevant field
  • A high level of computer literacy.  Proficiency in statistical software.
  • At least one first author manuscript published in an ISI-accredited journal with a 2nd first author article in draft.
  • An understanding of South African health care services and clinical aspects of HIV care
  •  Proficient understanding of basic qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
 
Advantageous:
  • Has the good clinical practice and human subject protection certification
  • Fluency in English
  • Professional written communication and presentation skills
  • Pro-active, self-motivated, energetic, flexible, adaptive and innovative
  • Ability to work independently whilst still working effectively and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team especially over periods of irregular hours. 
 
Preference will be afforded to candidates who:
  • Have experience with capacity development – either honours supervision or teaching.
  • Proficient understanding of basic qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
  • Experience in multi-disciplinary collaborations
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A salary in the region of R516 624 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.
 
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.
 
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R335A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS
 
Visit the following Web Site to complete an online application.  https://forms.gle/ogJiKFcd38o99caU7