What the job is

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in Cape Town is looking for a Senior Scientist to join their team on a one-year contract. This role involves leading and contributing to cardiovascular research projects to advance medical knowledge in this field.

What you will do

You will conduct and lead innovative cardiovascular research projects, including designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and writing scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals. You will manage at least two research projects, prepare high-quality publications like journal articles and technical reports, and ensure the research aligns with SAMRC’s goals and national priorities. Additionally, you will mentor students and emerging researchers, supervise postgraduate students, apply for research grants, manage budgets, and maintain relationships with stakeholders and research networks. You will also contribute to translating research findings into public understanding and policy, support quality assurance processes, and assist with broader organizational initiatives.

What you need

You must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field or be a PhD candidate with significant progress toward completion. You need at least five years of experience in cardiovascular research, a record of at least five publications (with at least three as first or senior author), and experience in securing research grants worth R100,000 or more. You should have supervised at least two postgraduate students to graduation and demonstrated the ability to translate research into practical health improvements. Experience in leading research teams, budgeting, and financial management is required. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are essential. A completed PhD, around 20 publications, and experience with systematic reviews or data analysis tools like Stata/R Studio would be advantageous.

What you will get

The salary for this position is around R966,586 per year, negotiable based on your qualifications and experience. This is a one-year contract role with the opportunity to contribute to impactful medical research.