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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 six values: pioneering, partnering, excellence, respect, integrity and citizenship.
 
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.
 
UNIT DIRECTOR
5-year fixed-term appointment
Unit/Directorate: Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU)
Region: Cape Town
 
Closing date: 25 March 2021
 
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is a globally recognised and respected medical research institution whose vision is to build a healthy nation through research, innovation and transformation.  The SAMRC seeks to appoint a UNIT DIRECTOR for a Unit based in Cape Town but serving national interest, who will lead, manage and expand the research portfolio of the Health Systems Research Unit within the SAMRC.
 
The position calls for  the leadership of a portfolio of Health Systems multidisciplinary research, involving generating ideas and protocols for novel research, building and leading collaborative teams, national and global networking, income generation, leading clinical research studies, guiding and mentoring staff, writing of peer-reviewed publications, disseminating research findings to relevant stakeholders  and building relationships with key stakeholders locally, nationally and globally. Building recognition as a global leader in an aspect of Health Systems research.
 
The successful candidate for this position, will be responsible to provide  strategic leadership to HSRU, developing and implementing a programme of cutting edge health systems research, with an integrated transformation, capacity and skills development programme and diversity management for HSRU staff, promotion of responsible conduct of research, risk management,  and to ensure that the business of the Unit is aligned to the SAMRC mandate, legislative and policy mandates and strategic goals. 
 
 
Key Responsibilities include:
  • Lead and manage all aspects of the Health Systems Research Unit and its research programme and staff 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 and implementation of a strategic approach to Unit leadership.
  • Applying governance principles throughout the Health Systems research unit.
  • Driving the transformation agenda of the HSRU 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 Epidemiology or Public Health or a Medical Speciality.
  • At least 8 years post-doctoral scientific experience in Health Systems Research.
  • Knowledge of the South African health system and cutting-edge developments in the policy arena thereof, and issues in health systems globally
  • Knowledge of research methods in Health Systems, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Economics or a related field
  • At least 2 years’ experience at a senior management level.
  • Acknowledged as an expert both nationally and internationally in a field of Health Systems research.
  • NRF B or A rating or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within Health Systems research.
 
 
Evidence of having:
In research
  • Led a programme of research (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects) in an area of health systems research
  • Written successful research grant applications for international and national donors to support a research programme
  • Designed and led health systems research projects
  • Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited keynote speaker
  • Led papers published in international peer reviewed journals, with multiple publications as a forst author
 
In capacity strengthening
  • Strong interest in capacity strengthening
  • Experience in developing a vision and action plan across an entity (e.g. unit, department etc) for strengthening capacity for undertaking health systems research
  • A track record of capacity of emerging scientists through graduating Masters and PhD students and training staff in relevant research methods
 
Stakeholder engagement
  • 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 health system research priorities and disseminate research evidence
  • Strong engagement with national and regional HPSR priorities
 
Leadership
  • Leadership and scientific experience within internationally and nationally recognized research settings
  • Problem solving
 
Human resource and financial management
  • Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills
  • Experience in leading a unit or department
  • Staff management experience
  • Financial and risk management experience
 

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The SAMRC offers a highly competitive, all-inclusive remuneration package, which is negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.
 
 
The SAMRC fully subscribes to the principles of Employment Equity and these principles will be applied in this appointment.
 
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R357A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS.
 
Your application must be accompanied by certified copies of your ID and highest formal qualifications.
 
Please forward applications, comprising a full CV, covering letter of motivation outlining the reasons for your interest in the post of Unit Director of Health Systems Research Unit, and contact details of three referees by mail to Ms Lee-Anne Louw, Human Resources Division, SAMRC, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa, or e-mail: recruitment@mrc.ac.za

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