Specialist Scientist

We invite applications for an experienced health economist to lead the Health Economics Focal Area at the Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU). HSRU is an intra-mural research unit at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) that supports evidence-based decision-making in health and social policy to strengthen health systems to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). The position will involve engaging stakeholders across government and all relevant communities to identify research priorities, will lead collaborative grant writing and grant management in the field, support the development of national, regional and global health economics research to advance and strengthen health systems, services and policy.

This individual will lead or co-author peer reviewed articles and present research findings at key meetings, conferences and workshops. They will collaborate across HSRU, SAMRC and other research institutions to advance their field. Their role includes coordination and project management of the Focal Area, commitment to capacity development and transformation including student supervision, and contribution to the HSRU and SAMRC leadership and citizenship activities.

• Lead the Health Economics Focal Area within the Health Systems Research Unit.
• Develop and implement a strategic health economics research programme that informs health policy and strengthens health systems.
• Initiate, lead and manage innovative research projects and multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Secure external research funding through competitive grant applications.
• Produce high-quality scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed publications and technical reports.
• Translate research findings into policy, practice and decision-making processes.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government, academia, funders and other stakeholders.
• Mentor and supervise postgraduate students and emerging researchers.
• Contribute to the leadership, administration and strategic objectives of HSRU and SAMRC.

• Cape Town or Durban

• Permanent

• R1,290, 482 per annum

• PhD in health economics or PhD in public health or related health field with health economics focus
• 7 years' experience in health economics research.
• Principal investigator of successful income generation/grant application of = R 600 000 (
  
  Note:
  
  funds raised as a co-I/PI on a sub-project are not counted, neither are non-research funds such as conferences, course fees, etc.).
• Record of 20 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters and technical reports) with at least 6 as first/senior author.
• Successfully supervised =4 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, in order to improve health.
• Experience in leading research project(s), including mentoring and managing a research team.
• Experience in budgeting, financial and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills.

• PhD with an undergraduate qualification in health economics, public health, and/or clinical epidemiology
• More than 10 years' experience in health economic research
• Excellent track record in grant writing and fund raising for health economics research
• Management of project staff on research projects
• Participation in technical committees nationally or globally applying economics principals to inform healthcare decision-making

• 4 September 2026