Chief Research Technologist

at South African Medical Research Council
Published November 13, 2026
Expires December 15, 2026
Location Cape Town, South Africa
Category Health Care  
Job Type Full-Time  

Description

The SAMRC’s Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU) is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified research technologist to support and manage research activities related to the persistent toxic substances (PTS) research programme.

Job Description

The SAMRC’s Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU) is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified research technologist to support and manage research activities related to the persistent toxic substances (PTS) research programme. The programme focuses on environmental exposures of public health concerns, including heavy metals and a range of other environmental pollutants.

The role involves providing research support (planning, coordinating and executing fieldwork and laboratory procedures), administrative support, and contributing to the broader research goals of the PTS programme. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise, mentor field staff, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to support research outcomes that inform public health interventions.

Responsibilities:

To provide senior level technical, operational and administrative leadership across multiple research project, including

Provide technical and operational leadership across multiple research projects
Coordinate and support fieldwork, laboratory activities, and protocol implementation
Oversee research data quality, compliance, and SOP adherence
Manage research operations, including logistics, procurement, and team coordination
Supervise and support research technologists and field staff
Contribute to reporting, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement

Duration

Permanent
Remuneration

A salary in the region of R 537 033.00 per annum cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of qualifications and research experience.
Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

Relevant 3-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6/7 in health sciences, environmental science, social science, or related discipline
At least 5 years’ experience in research projects in environmental and/or public health research.
Experience in conducting environmental monitoring and related quality control activities in the field and/or laboratory setting, such as soil analysis, air quality and/or water quality monitoring or similar.
Experience in research coordination, including planning and coordinating field activities, research teams, study logistics, timelines and communication across multiple project activities.
Advantageous:

HPCSA (where applicable)
Driver’s license
Experience in environmental health research.
Experience in phlebotomy
Experience in data management systems and research platforms.
Experience working in multi-stakeholder research environments

Please send your resume/CV