Post Doctoral Researcher

South African Medical Research Council; Durban; On-site; ZAR 405,000 - 495,000; Part time

Job summary

The South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRIN's longitudinal population and health surveillance data. The role offers mentorship, publication opportunities, and policy-relevant outputs within a 12‑month contract with possible renewal.

The successful candidate will build collaborations, strengthen analytical skills, and contribute to SAPRIN's

Qualifications

• PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Demography, Biostatistics, Population Studies, Health Sciences or related discipline.
• Doctoral degree obtained within past five years.
• Strong publication record (at least three peer-reviewed papers, one first-author).
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and statistical methods.
• Experience working with large population-based or longitudinal datasets.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently within multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRIN data and infrastructure.
• Publish at least two peer-reviewed papers.
• Lead the synthesis report on SAPRIN outputs and impacts.
• Translate research findings into policy and produce a policy brief.
• Contribute to research proposals and collaborations across SAPRIN.
• Mentor postgraduate students and emerging researchers.
• Present findings at national conferences.
• Contribute to SAPRIN outputs and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Statistical methods

Large datasets

Scientific writing

Independent researcher

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

PhD in Public Health / Epidemiology

Tools

R

Stata

Python

Job description

Post Doctoral Researcher
South African Medical Research Council
2026/11/10 Durban

Job Reference Number: R992A

Department: Saprin

Business Unit:

Industry: Academic

Job Type: Contract

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related SAPRIN seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRINs longitudinal population and health surveillance data.

Job Description

The South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) is a national research platform that supports longitudinal population, health and socio-economic research across diverse South African communities. SAPRIN generates high-quality longitudinal data to support scientific research, policy development, programme evaluation and the training of emerging researchers. As part of its research capacity-development mandate, SAPRIN seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRIN's longitudinal population and health surveillance data. The fellowship will provide an early-career researcher with an opportunity to build a strong publication record, strengthen advanced analytical skills, establish research collaborations, and progress towards independent scientific leadership.

• Develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRIN data and infrastructure.
• Produce at least two high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Lead the preparation of a comprehensive synthesis report documenting research undertaken through SAPRIN and its nodes over the past decade, including scientific outputs, policy impacts and future research opportunities.
• Support the translation of research findings into policy and practice and produce at least one policy brief.
• Contribute to research proposals and scientific collaborations across the SAPRIN network.
• Mentor postgraduate students and emerging researchers where appropriate.
• Present research findings at one or more national conferences.
• Contribute to SAPRIN scientific outputs, reports and strategic initiatives.

Duration of contract:

12-month fellowship, renewable for a further 12 months subject to satisfactory progress.

Remuneration:

R 450 000 per annum (CTC)

Job Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Demography, Biostatistics, Population Studies, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
• Have obtained their doctoral degree within the past five years.
• Demonstrate a strong publication record relative to career stage (at least three peer-reviewed publications, including one first-authored publication).
• Have demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis and statistical methods.
• Have demonstrated experience working with large population-based or longitudinal datasets.
• Demonstrate excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Be able to work independently while engaging effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Desirable attributes include:

• Experience with demographic surveillance or population cohort studies.
• Advanced analytical skills using R, Stata, Python or related statistical software.
• Experience in policy-relevant research and knowledge translation.
• Experience supervising postgraduate students.

Closing date:

30 November 2026