Specialist Scientist

South African Medical Research Council; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,130,000; Full time

Job summary

The South African Medical Research Council seeks a Specialist Scientist (Entry) in the Burden of Disease Research Unit to lead mortality and burden-of-disease analyses, monitor trends, and contribute to national and provincial health indicators.

The role involves guiding research collaboration, mentoring researchers, publishing high-quality outputs, translating findings into policy and practice, and supporting SAMRC's transformation and capacity development.

Qualifications

• PhD or MBChB with relevant Masters (epi/biostats/MPH) required.
• At least 6 years’ experience in Epidemiology or Public Health.
• Track record of 10 publications with at least 3 as first/senior author.
• Experience in leading grant applications and managing research teams.
• Experience in budgeting, finance and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership within the research programme.
• Lead grant applications, research projects, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Produce and publish high-quality scientific outputs.
• Mentor and supervise researchers and students.
• Promote evidence-based policy and practice through research translation and advocacy.
• Ensure effective programme governance, financial management, monitoring, and reporting.

Skills

Epidemiology experience

Public health expertise

Grant leadership

Mentoring

Policy translation

Scientific communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD or MBChB with Masters (epi/biostats/MPH)

Job description

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) seeks to appoint a Specialist Scientist (Entry) within the Burden of Disease Research Unit (BODRU). The Unit conducts research and analyses to monitor South Africa’s health status, burden of disease, mortality patterns, and population health trends. BODRU provides evidence to inform health planning and policy and has established expertise in mortality surveillance, health surveys, summary health measures, and health informatics.

The successful candidate will contribute to mortality and burden of disease research through the analysis of mortality and cause-of-death data, monitoring excess mortality and mortality trends, and supporting the estimation of national and provincial mortality indicators. The incumbent will contribute to burden of disease studies, data quality improvement initiatives, scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations at national and international forums.

The successful candidate will also contribute to research collaboration, capacity development, innovation, and the SAMRC’s transformation agenda.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership within the research programme.
• Lead grant applications, research projects, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Produce and publish high-quality scientific outputs.
• Mentor and supervise researchers and students.
• Promote evidence-based policy and practice through research translation and advocacy.
• Ensure effective programme governance, financial management, monitoring, and reporting.

Location

• Cape Town

Duration

• Permanent

Remuneration.

• A salary in the region of R 1 111 367.00 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.

Core Requirements:

• PhD or MBChB with relevant Masters (epi, biostats, MPH, etc)
• 6 years’ experience in Epidemiology, Public Health or related fields.
• Record of 10 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters and technical reports) with at least 3 as first/senior author.
• PI of successful income generation/grant application of = R300,000 (NB: funds raised as a co-I/PI on a sub-project are not counted, nor non-research funds (conferences, course fees, etc.).
• Successfully supervised =3 post-graduate students to graduation.
• Record of translating professional, scientific or clinical expertise, new knowledge and research findings into public understanding, policy, and/or practice, to improve health.
• Experience in leading research project(s), including mentoring and managing a research team.
• Experience in budgeting, finance and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills

Closing Date

• 02 October 2026

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