Snr Scientist

Snr Scientist
South African Medical Research Council
2026/10/01 Cape Town

Job Reference Number: R989A
Department: Office of the President
Business Unit:
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) requires a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Scientist to contribute to cardiovascular research through the execution and leadership of well-defined research projects within their area of expertise.

SENIOR SCIENTIST

Duration:
One-Year Contract

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) requires a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Scientist to contribute to cardiovascular research through the execution and leadership of well-defined research projects within their area of expertise. The successful candidate will contribute to the generation of new knowledge through study design, data collection, data analysis and scientific writing.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting innovative cardiovascular research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Leading and contributing to at least two cardiovascular research projects, including study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of research findings;
• Preparing and contributing to high-quality scientific publications, including journal articles, editorials, book chapters and technical reports;
• Contributing to strategic cardiovascular research aligned with SAMRC priorities and broader national and international research agendas;
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders, national professional associations, societies and research networks;
• Contributing to research translation and social impact activities, including technical reports, research briefs, community outreach and dissemination of research findings;
• Mentoring and guiding emerging researchers, students and other team members;
• Supervising postgraduate students and supporting their successful academic and professional development;
• Leading and contributing to competitive research grant applications, including self-initiated research and equipment grants;
• Managing allocated budgets and contributing to effective financial, operational and risk management;
• Monitoring and reporting on research activities, outputs and performance in accordance with organizational requirements;
• Contributing to quality assurance, risk management and internal and external audit processes; and
• Supporting broader Unit and SAMRC initiatives, including organizational, transformation and research development activities.

Remuneration

• A salary in the region of R966,586 per annum, cost-to-company will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience.

Core Requirements:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field OR a PhD candidate with substantial progress towards completion, preferably in the final year/write-up or post-analysis phase.
• At least five years' experience in cardiovascular research.
• A record of at least five lifetime publications, including ISI peer-reviewed journal articles, editorials, book chapters and/or technical reports, with at least three as first or senior author.
• Successful research and/or equipment grant application of = R100,000.
• Successfully supervised or mentored at least two postgraduate students to graduation.
• A demonstrated 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 projects, including mentoring and managing a research team.
• Experience in budgeting, financial and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal relations, organizational and communication skills.

Advantageous:

• A completed PhD in a relevant field;
• A record of approximately 20 lifetime publications, including ISI journal articles, editorials, book chapters and technical reports, with at least three as first or senior author;
• Knowledge and experience in systematic reviews, data analysis and Stata/R Studio;
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a dynamic setting.

Closing Date:

• 12 October 2026