SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (SAMRC)

 

 

 

SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR

Cape Town

Job Reference Number: R940A

Department: Legal and Compliance Services Directorate

Business Unit:

Industry: Legal

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The SAMRC’s Legal & Compliance Services Department currently requires the services of a Senior Legal Advisor with an LLB degree who is an admitted Attorney / Advocate in South Africa.

 

Job Description

The SAMRC’s Legal & Compliance Services Department currently requires the services of a Senior Legal Advisor with an LLB degree who is an admitted Attorney / Advocate in South Africa. The Senior Legal Advisor will report to the General Counsel: Legal, Compliance, Public Policy and Governance and oversee, Legal advisors and the legal secretary and will be permanently based at the SAMRC Cape Town offices. Candidates must be able to understand the business and operations within which he or she will be operating, show and possess financial acumen and demonstrate sound knowledge of corporate governance principles and obligations applicable to public entities, be equipped with good managerial skills, excellent negotiation and communication skills, presentation skills, business and legal drafting skills, as well as dispute resolution skills and importantly, the ability to work under pressure.

 

Responsibilities include:

Understanding of the strategic operational co-ordination and integration of the SAMRC business areas and strategies and ensuring that the required legal resources are provided to these areas.

  • Initiating, designing, developing new initiatives / programs aimed at enhancing the value proposition of the legal / compliance fraternity to growing the SAMRC statute in the medical / health research realm.
  • Regulatory compliance management, executes board-approved compliance management policies and procedures.
  • Deputise to or act as General Counsel when internal processes so require.
  • Recommend to General Counsel, the appropriate client units service strategy / approach.
  • Provide guidance to science leadership (e.g. Unit Directors, Principal Investigators, etc); 
  • Managing, supervising or mentor all employee’s junior to SLA within the legal department and its related work requirements.
  • Holding professional knowledge on how a public entity operates, what are its related business needs, requirements, and limitations, how it interacts with other organs of state, institutions and with departments and or the required disciplines to support these requirements.
  • Interpreting the overall SAMRC business plan into required best practices, systems, rules, regulations, and where applicable budgets to achieve the SAMRC business goals.
  • Structuring legal advice to enable the business to accomplish the strategic objectives set.
  • Providing relevant legal advice and / or written opinions to Directors and Senior management.
  • Negotiating contracts including commercial agreements in collaboration with project teams.
  • Drafting, vetting, and amending contracts and commercial agreements independently.
  • Managing litigation (initiating or defending) where so instructed on behalf of the SAMRC in matters pertaining to it.
  • The demonstration of and employment of excellent legal research skills.
  • Monitoring public policy and legislative developments relevant to the MRC and engaging policy developers and enforcement / regulatory agencies.
  • Developing SAMRC internal policies / protocols / precedents / frameworks.
  • Conducting presentations and training on legal issues and legislation.
  • Labour Relations including individual and organised dispute resolution proceedings.

 

Duration: Permanent

Remuneration: R 1,111,367 per annum (CTC)

 

Job Requirements

Core requirements:

  • Bachelor of Laws degree
  • Admission as an attorney or advocate in terms of the applicable law
  • 8 years post-admission experience in legal practice or in-house legal function
  • Willingness to relocate and be based permanently in Cape Town.

 

Advantageous:

  • Successful Pupilage / Articles and professional examinations would be considered advantageous.
  • Post-graduate one year diploma / certificate in health / medical law; or
  • Certificate in Public Policy Development and Legislative Drafting; or
  • Module / Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Consumer Protection Law, Commercial Transactions Law, Competition law or Intellectual Property Law
  • Certificate in Corporate Governance
  • Willingness to travel and work irregular hours and be in possession of a valid Code B driver’s license. 

 

Closing date: 5th June 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCIENTIST (E)

Pretoria

Job Reference Number: R935A

Department: Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit

Business Unit:

Industry: Research

Job Type: Contract

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

 

The Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance use & Tobacco Research requires a suitably qualified scientist

 

Job Description

The Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance use & Tobacco Research requires a suitably qualified scientist  


The candidate will generally contribute to the tobacco control research and research translation work in MASTRU. Specifically, they will assist with project coordination, data management and analysis, staff management, and research dissemination (including drafting and co-publishing papers in academic journals) to ensure the successful implementation of the project.


Responsibilities:

• Monitoring progress of research activities and generating regular and ad-hoc reports as required 

• Quality control and problem solving 

• Assisting with data analysis and writing of research outputs

• Drafting and co-publishing papers in academic journals

• Planning and coordinating data collection on a proposed project

• Supervising field staff

 

Duration: 12 Months contract post @80% time

Remuneration: R 537 033 per annum, cost-to-company

 

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

  • Honours degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Biostatistics, or a related field
  • At least 2 – 3 years’ working experience in the tobacco control research field

 

   Advantageous

  • At least 2 years’ experience in a research coordinator/project management role
  • Experience in coordinating at least 2 projects
  • At least 5 co-authored publications.

 

  Closing Date:  02 June 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEGAL OFFICER: PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVACY PROTECTION

Cape Town

Job Reference Number: R 941A

Department: Legal and Compliance Services Directorate

Business Unit:

Industry: Legal

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

 

The South African Medical Research Council is looking for an individual to render professional functions and duties in a vibrant environment. The successful candidate must be willing to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines and must be customer and service delivery orientated. The successful candidate should be willing to travel if required to do so.

 

Job Description

The South African Medical Research Council is looking for an individual to render professional functions and duties in a vibrant environment. The successful candidate must be willing to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines and must be customer and service delivery orientated. The successful candidate should be willing to travel if required to do so.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Implement the compliance framework to ensure and ensure it is monitored and maintained over time
  • Conduct a PIIA to ensure that adequate measures and standards exist in order to comply with the conditions for the lawful processing of personal information (as defined in Chapter 3 of POPIA)
  • Ensure that the SAMRC’s POPIA Manual is implemented monitored, maintained and made available as prescribed PAIA
  • Develop and maintain measures and adequate systems to process requests for information or access to information
  • Conduct internal awareness sessions regarding:

o   the provisions of the POPI Act,

o   the regulations made in terms of the Act,

o   codes of conduct, or

o   information obtained from the Regulator

 

Duration: Permanent

Remuneration: R 624 773 per annum (CTC)

 

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

· LLB or similar relevant qualification or higher

· 2 years post University experience in the application of the law.

· Legal research, legal reasoning on POPIA

· Understanding and experience of the litigation process

· Professional and well disciplined, attention to detail, confident, shows initiative, is approachable, and works well in a team.

· Analytical.

Advantageous:

· Experience in the translation of written laws into policies; legal compliance in line with the Compliance Institute of Southern Africa’s approach.

 

Closing Date: 1 June 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

Cape Town

Job Reference Number: R937A

Department: Corporate and Marketing Communications

Business Unit:

Industry: Graduates

Job Type: Contract

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

 

The SAMRC seeks to appoint a Graphic Design Intern within the Corporate and Marketing Communications department to be based at our Head Office in Parow, Cape Town.

 

Job Description

The SAMRC seeks to appoint a Graphic Design Intern within the Corporate and Marketing Communications department to be based at our Head Office in Parow, Cape Town.


About the role:

The role of a Graphic Design Intern at the SAMRC sits within a scientific, research-driven communications environment, which makes it slightly more strategic than a typical commercial design internship. It combines creative execution with science communication and institutional branding.


The Graphic Design Intern will primarily support the Corporate and Marketing Communications unit by translating complex health and research information into clear, engaging visual content.


You will learn and grow through working closely with communications specialists, researchers and project teams during the stages of brainstorming and campaign development.



Responsibilities:

• Develop visual assets for print and digital platforms, including social media graphics, infographics and data visualisations, reports, brochures, and presentations, event branding materials (banners, invitations, backdrops)

• Support digital campaigns and awareness initiatives

• Assist in managing multiple design requests and deadlines 

• Participate in brainstorming sessions and campaign planning 

• Maintain organised design files and version control

• Apply SAMRC brand guidelines consistently across all materials 

• Ensure visual outputs align with corporate identity and communication standards 

• Maintain quality control and attention to detail in all design work


Broad functional areas:


Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: 

• Illustrator 

• Photoshop 

• InDesign 


Strong understanding of: 

• Layout and composition 

• Typography 

• Colour theory 


Basic knowledge of digital design for social media and web

 

Duration: 12 Months

Remuneration: Market Related Stipend

 

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

• 3-year Diploma in Graphic Design 

• Proficient in Adobe Suite (In-Design, Illustrator and photoshop)

• Strong sense of layout, able to apply and understand a brand guide

• A portfolio of work is required showcasing your work

 

Closing Date: 01 June 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

ASSET OFFICER

Cape Town

Job Reference Number: R 938 A

Department: Finance and Operations Directorate

Business Unit:

Industry: Accounts

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

 

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is seeking to appoint a detail-oriented and experienced Asset Management Officer to support the comprehensive management of property, plant, and equipment across the organisation.

 

Job Description

The incumbent in this role plays a pivotal part in the comprehensive management of property, plant, and equipment at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Responsibilities include the seamless integration of new assets into the JD Edwards (JDE) system, implementation of efficient barcoding procedures for accurate asset tracking, and rigorous verification processes to maintain a reliable asset register. Additionally, the role involves identifying obsolete and damaged assets, initiating write-off submissions to the asset committee, and overseeing the disposal of assets on the JDE system. The incumbent is also responsible for the meticulous management of vehicle log sheets, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and handling the processing of stores journals, along with ad-hoc journals such as year-end accruals. This multifaceted position requires a keen attention to detail, proficiency in asset management practices, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and compliance within the SAMRC.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare reconciliation of asset accounts
  • Processing new assets; asset disposals and transfers on the accounting system 
  • Asset verification
  • Journal processing 
  • Processing ledger receipts
  • Capturing input for the laptop register; asset at home and HR clearance forms
  • Vehicle log sheets and processing stores journals
  • General office administration

 

Duration: Permanent 

Remuneration: R 466,627 per annum, cost to company

 

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

  • 3-year National Diploma in Accounting or higher.
  • 5 - 10 years’ experience with asset management
  • Experience with processing financial journals
  • JD-Edwards experience
  • Knowledge and experience of Public Finance Management Act and Supply Chain Management

Advantageous

  • Experience within a research organization.
  • Driver's License 

 

Closing Date: 03 June 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROGRAMME MANAGER

Cape Town

Job Reference Number: R 838B

Department: Health Systems Research Unit

Business Unit:

Industry: Research

Job Type: Contract

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU) at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Programme Manager on a part-time basis.

 

Job Description

The Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), based at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), leads research to inform and support decision-making in health and social policy to strengthen health systems to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). Through health systems strengthening, we aim to improve health throughout the life-course. An appropriately qualified and experienced Programme Manager is required to join our team on a full-time basis to implement the strategic priorities and operation of the Evidence to Decision (E2D) initiative, coordinated by HSRU. The E2D project is a three-year National Department of Health-funded initiative. It aims to support and build capacity for evidence-informed decision-making for UHC in South Africa, through timely evidence synthesis and translation, promoting efficient, effective and equitable health services and systems. Additionally, the project will focus on developing the infrastructure to provide these services.

 

Responsibilities:

Programme management

This includes:

  • Overseeing a group of related projects/ strategic partnerships as the SAMRC lead, to ensure alignment with HSRU and broader SAMRC goals and strategies.
  • Ensuring the program delivers long-term benefits and achieves overarching objectives in addition to E2D project deliverables.
  • Managing of programme budget with allocation of resources across projects within the E2D initiative to maximize efficiency and impact.
  • Liaising with relevant high-level stakeholders to secure resources (funding and skills), manage progress against milestones, and ensure alignment across projects.
  • Monitoring interdependencies among projects addressing programme-level risks and issues and providing recommendations to management for approval.
  • Leading change initiatives that stem from programme outcomes and providing recommendations to management for approval.
  • Establishing programme governance through the development and/or implementation of policies, frameworks, SOPs, and controls to ensure projects within the programme adhere to standards and guidelines.
  • Managing periodic reviews of the programme with general programme monitoring and evaluation; and developing and coordinating internal and external reports, including reports to management and funders. 
  • Coordinate advocacy and communication of the programme

 

Project management

This includes:

  • Managing a portfolio of projects within the E2D initiative as part of a strategic partnership to ensure the conduct and delivery of the projects within its defined scope and deliver high-quality outputs in line with approved timelines, milestones and budgets.
  • Liaising with E2D project team to coordinate collaboration, keeping project-specific stakeholders informed and involved, focusing on immediate project impacts.
  • Scheduling, attending and documentation of regular project meetings.
  • Overseeing sub-contracts and budget schedules, facilitating the timely disbursement of funds.
  • Timely reporting on project progress and status.
  • Project monitoring and support including drafting or reviewing technical and financial reports, identifying and resolving risks and issues regarding project activities, timelines and budget that directly affect the project and making recommendations to management.
  • Facilitating scientific oversight of projects by supporting research teams where required.
  • Overseeing and supporting database development in collaboration with SAMRC IT
  • Supporting programme administrative coordination including recruitment.

 

Collaborate & interact with project partners and strategic stakeholders

This includes:

  • Participating in the national and regional research agenda
  • Relationship building with key internal and external stakeholders

 

Duration of the contract

  • 18 Months (60% FTE)

 

Remuneration

  • R55 536.00 per month (cost to company)

 

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

  • Master’s in Public Health, Clinical epidemiology, Health Systems Research or related health field.
  • 3 - 5 years or more of relevant experience in the specialised area of programme management
  • Internal and external stakeholder engagement.
  • Project planning and implementation and monitoring, budget monitoring,
  • Report writing, meeting convening and management

 

Advantageous:

  • PhD in health-related field
  • Programme management qualification.
  • Experience with health sector- specifically health policy and programmes
  • Experience in a public funding and/or research environment, i.e., demonstrated experience managing research or development programmes / capacity development programmes
  • Demonstrated experience in working across academia, government departments, and industry
  • Experience with contract management, financial management and human resources

 

Closing Date: 30 May 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNIOR SCIENTIST (S)

Durban

Job Reference Number: R942A

Department: Gender and Health Research Unit

Business Unit:

Industry: Academic

Job Type: Contract

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Research Unit (GHRU) requires suitably qualified Junior Scientists to support our disability and SRHR-related research and training projects.

 

Job Description

The South African Medical Research Council, Gender and Health Research Unit (GHRU) requires suitably qualified Junior Scientists to support our disability and SRHR-related research and training projects.

 

Responsibilities:

• Supporting study protocols and proposals development

• Managing research projects, including developing and managing SOPs, protocols, research tools, and dissemination activities (for senior post, also budget management)

• Conducting the qualitative or quantitative analysis of interviews, group discussions or datasets

• Supporting the capacity development of study staff

• Maintaining stakeholder relationships

• Supporting the administrative procedures of the study project

• Developing and publishing knowledge translation products

 

Duration: 6 Months

Remuneration: R466 627.00 per annum (CTC)

 

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

  • 4-year tertiary qualification social or health sciences, psychology or disability studies and completion of one year of Masters degree course work or if the Masters is by thesis, completion of the proposal and data collection.
  • Commencing research with evidence of potential early research output. Including:

o   Own post-graduate studies.

o   Presentation on a scientific matter to a lay audience (e.g., school) in the last 12 months.

o   Presentation to internal research/academic day, journal club, or seminar.

o   Understanding/following or creating SOPs, and identifies problems and suggests solutions

  • 1-2 years’ experience with research on disability, rehabilitation, or mental health
  • 1-2 years’ experience specializing in either qualitative methods for data collection and analysis or quantitative data collection and analysis
  •  Proficiency with literature review and Endnote
  • Competence with either qualitative data analysis software (NVIVO or ATLAS-ti) or quantitative software and analysis (R or Stata)\
  • Coordinating workshops, webinars, and trainings
  • Coordination and supervision of field/lab work
  • Monitoring quality of fieldwork or data collection, identification of problems and institution of corrective action.
  • Good Clinical Practice certificate

 

Advantageous:

  • Master’s degree in social or health sciences, psychology or a similar field
  • Any experience greater than that which is stated above

 

Closing date: 27 May 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACILITIES MANAGER

Durban

Job Reference Number: R947A

Department: Facilities Management

Business Unit:

Industry: Technical

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The Facilities Manager will take a hands-on approach in creating a healthy, secure, productive and safe working environment for the SAMRC staff and visitors.

 

Job Description

FACILITIES MANAGER

 

Permanent Post

The Facilities Manager will take a hands-on approach in creating a healthy, secure, productive and safe working environment for the SAMRC staff and visitors. The position encompasses effective management of the following key performance areas: building housekeeping, mechanical maintenance, general maintenance; electrical maintenance, plumbing maintenance, structural maintenance, security, cleaning, landscape, pest control, postal services, reception services, fleet management, property lease negotiations and management, tenant management and client well-being. Annual capital and operational budget forecasting and management. Management of contracted service providers, maintenance team and soft services staff. Ensuring compliance with all SAMRC Policies, Procedures, OHS Act, Building and Construction Regulations, Municipal by-laws, PFMA and Treasury Regulations. 

 

Responsibilities:

  • Achievement of Facilities Management SLAs for specific regions. 
  • Oversee daily building maintenance activities, ensuring facilities are in optimal condition.
  • Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance scheduling.
  • Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance scheduling.
  • Identify, evaluate, and onboard vendors and contractors for facility-related services.
  • Supervise and provide guidance to facility management staff.
  • Conduct performance appraisals and identify training needs.
  • Management of annual capital and operational budget forecasting for Ridge Road and the HIDRU Sites.
  • Monitor expenditures to ensure cost efficiency.
  • Prepare financial reports and projections for facility management.
  • Oversee multiple facility-related projects from initiation to completion.
  • Ensure projects are completed within scope, budget, and deadlines.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to align project goals with business needs.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Communicate facility updates and initiatives to relevant parties.
  • Collaborate with departments to address facility-related needs.
  • New and renewal of lease negotiation with landlords
  • Management of tenants and landlords
  • Site Assessment and Negotiations for Research Development. Each of these sites has to be developed to conduct research. Undertake to assess site availability and negotiations with relevant authorities.

 

Remuneration:

A salary in the region of R 831,798 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.

 

Closing Date: 29 May 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE