CHARM: Principal Medical Scientist

National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD); Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health institute seeks a scientist to manage diagnostic services and conduct research on healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. The role involves overseeing lab operations, producing scientific reports, and developing new research proposals. Ideal candidates will have an MSc or PhD in Medical Science, strong communication skills, and experience in laboratory management.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' experience as a scientist, including 1 year laboratory management.
• In-depth knowledge of bacterial/fungal diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
• Proven track record in scientific writing and communication.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to management of diagnostic services and lab operations.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research, including producing reports.
• Develop and implement proposals and train staff and students.

Skills

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Problem-Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

MSc or equivalent in Medical Science

PhD preferred

Registration with HPCSA (Microbiology)

Job description

To contribute to the management of the diagnostic service, conducting and communicating research, and developing and providing training for healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and mycology.

Key Job Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the management of diagnostic services for resistant bacterial pathogens, fungal pathogens, and pathogens causing healthcare-associated infections by overseeing daily laboratory operations; recommending specialized tests and procedures; interpreting and communicating results.
2. Use expertise and specialized knowledge to advise medical professionals on appropriate testing and interpretation of results.
3. Apply expertise in various laboratory tests including molecular detection techniques, sequencing, culturing bacteria and fungi.
4. Manage the quality system, implement quality assurance procedures, audit quality control results, and take preventative and corrective actions.
5. Support SANAS accreditation requirements, maintenance, and expansion of accreditation schedules.
6. Conduct independent and collaborative research, produce complex scientific reports, and manage multiple research projects, including interpretation and application of techniques and procedures.
7. Develop and implement proposals, protocols, new technologies, and approaches.
8. Publish peer-reviewed articles and participate in scientific forums such as conferences.
9. Assist in development of research grant applications and manage funded projects.
10. Train and supervise staff and students at all levels.

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

1. MSc or equivalent in Medical Science or relevant field; PhD preferred.
2. Registration with HPCSA (Microbiology) required.
3. At least 5 years’ experience as a scientist, including 1 year of laboratory management experience.
4. In-depth knowledge of bacterial and fungal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and healthcare-associated infections.
5. Experience with ISO15189 implementation.
6. Proven track record in scientific writing and communication, including ≥10 conference proceedings, with at least 2 international conferences, and ≥2 first or last author research publications.
7. Experience supervising or co-supervising postgraduate students.
8. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
9. Good interpersonal skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail.
10. Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
11. Problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and manage high work volumes while staying current with academic literature.