Senior Scientist: Evidence Synthesis

South African Medical Research Council; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 910 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research institution is seeking a Senior Scientist for its Health Systems Research Unit. The candidate will lead research initiatives, manage projects, and publish findings that inform health policies. An advanced degree in Clinical Epidemiology or Public Health is essential, along with significant experience in quantitative research and a record of research publications. This full-time position is vital for advancing health systems and achieving universal health coverage in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master’s or higher degree in Clinical Epidemiology or Public Health and progress towards a PhD.
• At least five years working experience in quantitative research, including systematic review methods.
• First author of at least three peer-reviewed journal articles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of research in health policy and publish findings.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and staff support for scientific projects.
• Provide mentorship and facilitate workshops for students.

Skills

Quantitative research

Systematic review methods

Teaching experience

Ability to communicate effectively

Education

Master’s or higher degree in Clinical Epidemiology or Public Health

Progress towards a PhD

Tools

STATA

Revman

Job description

Overview

We invite applications for a Senior Scientist role at the Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), an intra-mural research unit at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). HSRU supports decision-making in health and social policy to strengthen health systems to achieve universal health coverage. An appropriately qualified and experienced researcher is required to join our team on a full-time basis to support the successful conduct of evidence synthesis and knowledge translation research which will assist in informing clinical guidelines and health technology assessment decisions for health system and services strengthening.

The position will involve supporting and leading research, grant writing, project management, stakeholder engagement, and publishing and communicating scientific publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of research within the field of health policy and systems and publish scientific research in peer reviewed journals
• Conference and meeting presentations at local or international conferences or at external meetings
• Collaborate on proposal writing for grant funding
• Lead scientific project work, including managing timelines, budget, staff support, output quality, project risk, research dissemination and stakeholder engagement
• Capacity development, including the supervision of Masters’ students, facilitating workshops, and mentoring
• Research translation, including contributing to policies, guidelines or legislation; reviewing abstracts, journal articles, proposals; and development of research translation strategies
• Contributing to the scientific life of the Unit through journal clubs, research days and other relevant activities

Remuneration

• A salary in the region of R 909 300.00 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Master’s or higher degree in Clinical Epidemiology or Public Health and progress towards a PhD in related field
• At least five years working experience in quantitative research, including systematic review methods
• 5 lifetime publications, with 3 as first author
• First author of published research; at least five ISI peer-reviewed ISI journal articles published
• Three years of experience in health research for health policy, guidelines or health technology assessment or related
• Record of successful research and/or equipment grant
• Familiar with tools for quantitative analysis of systematic reviews (e.g. Revman, STATA or similar)
• Teaching experience at postgraduate level or equivalent engagement in teaching or training
• Ability to communicate information and ideas, provide research support including liaising with other stakeholders
• Presenting research findings and reports at relevant conferences/meetings, oral presentations at local or international conferences

Advantageous

• Previous experience in research for health policy and guidelines
• Undergraduate degree in a clinical or allied health profession
• Experience and understanding of knowledge translation, health economics
• Experience in networking and collaborating with international partners and stakeholders, including policymakers
• Lead investigator of research grants

Closing Date

• 27 January 2026