SENIOR SCIENTIST

Duration: Permanent

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation's health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and responsive health research. The Burden of Disease Research Unit (BODRU) seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Scientist to contribute to research in cancer prevention, screening and early detection, with a focus on nutrition, metabolic, behavioural, environmental and social determinants of cancer.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and contribute to high-quality cancer and public health research.
• Develop, implement and manage research projects.
• Contribute to the maintenance and development of the Eastern Cape Cancer Registry (ECCR).
• Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative research data.
• Produce scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, technical reports and policy briefs.
• Participate in grant writing and research funding applications.
• Supervise and mentor postgraduate students and junior researchers.
• Build and maintain collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to scientific leadership, research translation and community engagement initiatives.
• Support unit administration, reporting, risk management and compliance activities.

Location of the Position

• Cape Town

Remuneration

• A salary in the region of R715 505.00 per annum, cost to company

Core Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public health or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years' experience in cancer, NCD, ageing, nutrition or public health research.
• Two lifetime peer-reviewed ISI journal publications, with at least one as first author.
• Successful co-supervision of at least one postgraduate student to graduation, or current involvement in postgraduate co-supervision or teaching.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience using statistical software programmes.
• Experience in project management, community engagement and working with research participants.
• Proven record of presenting research at national conferences.

Advantageous:

• PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related health discipline.

Closing date

• 06 November 2026