CENTRE FOR TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH
(CAPE TOWN)
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression. The organisation prides itself on six core values: pioneering, partnering, excellence, respect, integrity and citizenship.
Individuals are invited to submit applications in response to the following position:
UNIT DIRECTOR
Entry (Doctor), Competent (Associate Professor) or Seasoned (Professor)
Duration: 5-year contract
The Centre for Tuberculosis Research (CTR) is an intramural SAMRC Centre partnered with Stellenbosch University (SU) and is focused on Tuberculosis research, with an emphasis on the South African situation. The CTR aims to improve the health status and quality of life of the population through the generation of new knowledge and apply that to health-oriented research aimed at reducing incidence and prevalence by diagnosing and treating appropriately and by measures aimed at prevention. The CTR is housed within the Division of Molecular Biology and the Division of Immunology in the Biomedical Research Institute of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences based at the Tygerberg campus of Stellenbosch University. The CTR has 10 research thrusts lead by experts in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular epidemiology, human and bacterial genomics, bioinformatics, drug discovery, biomarker research, immunology and diagnostic development and evaluation.
The post holder will assist with and form an integral part of the SAMRC’s transformation agenda.
The Unit Director position calls for a senior researcher with international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain the CTR’s national and international stature as a Centre of excellence through collaboration, capacity development and world class research.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Lead and manage the CTR in conjunction with SU HoD in line with objectives of the SAMRC and SU.
• Appoint and be responsible for management of Researchers and Support Staff within the framework of the SAMRC’s conditions of service.
• Build networks locally, nationally and globally to ensure participation in the global consortia to impact knowledge translations and impact policy.
• Stakeholder Management.
• Work together with SU HoD’s and PIs to develop a strategic plan for the CTR.
• Write and secure grants and contracts to undertake research prioritised for the CTR.
• Build capacity through supervision of MSc and PhD students.
• Apply governance principles to ensure regulatory compliance, compliance with good laboratory practice and health and safety.
• Oversee the regulatory compliance of the BSL3 laboratory.
• Unit strengthening through management of the SAMRC baseline budget.
• Advance transformation by mentoring and building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC and SU’s Employment Equity Plan.
• Report scientific outputs, achievements (quarterly and financial statements (annually) to the SAMRC.
• Disclose any intellectual property to the SAMRC.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
• A PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry Immunology, or other related field or a Medical Speciality.
• At least 10 years’ experience in research in the field of Tuberculosis or Infectious Diseases, of which 3 years must be in senior leadership and/or management capacity.
• NRF rated or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within the field of Tuberculosis or infectious disease.
• A track record of research, grants, publications – national and international (at least 50 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters)).
• Written successful research grant applications for international and national donors to support a research programme.
• Extensive experience in the management of projects, including the development of a multi-year programme of work.
• A track record of working effectively with relevant government departments, national and international partners, funders and other stakeholders.
• Evidence of research translation efforts and international leadership in the field Stakeholder engagement
• Leadership skills and experience in mentoring and managing a research unit or department.
• Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited faculty or keynote speaker.
• Led a programme of research (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects).
• Strong interest in capacity strengthening at the international, national and regional level.
• A track record of capacity building of emerging scientists through graduating Masters and PhD students and training staff in relevant research methods; track record of contributing to transformation initiatives.
• Human resource and financial management.
• Experience in leading a unit or department
• Staff management experience
• Financial and risk management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills.
PREFERENCE:
• A track record in executing high quality Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
• Excellent track record in supervising and evaluating Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
• Recognition internationally as a researcher in an area of Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
• Experience in leading projects with multi-million-rand research budgets.
• Experience in capacity building of the next generation scientist.
• An established network of researchers both locally and internationally.
Terms & Conditions: The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. In accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender, and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. By submitting your application, SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). The SAMRC does its best to provide the most accurate information; however, if there is anything wrong and unclear applicants are encouraged to contact the HR Recruitment Office at 021-938 0648 before the closing date.
The SAMRC offers a total cost-to-company remuneration package that will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience.
Closing date: 04 October 2024 at 16:30pm
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R781A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.
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TABLE 1: Unit Director Levels
| ENTRY - Level 1 Doctor | COMPETENT - Level 2 Associate Professor | SEASONED / ESTABLISHED - Level 3 Professor |
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