SAPRIN seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRINs longitudinal population and health surveillance data.

Job Description

The South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) is a national research platform that supports longitudinal population, health and socio-economic research across diverse South African communities. SAPRIN generates high-quality longitudinal data to support scientific research, policy development, programme evaluation and the training of emerging researchers. As part of its research capacity-development mandate, SAPRIN seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRIN's longitudinal population and health surveillance data. The fellowship will provide an early-career researcher with an opportunity to build a strong publication record, strengthen advanced analytical skills, establish research collaborations, and progress towards independent scientific leadership.

·Develop and lead an independent programme of research using SAPRIN data and infrastructure.

·Produce at least two high-quality peer-reviewed publications.

·Lead the preparation of a comprehensive synthesis report documenting research undertaken through SAPRIN and its nodes over the past decade, including scientific outputs, policy impacts and future research opportunities.

·Support the translation of research findings into policy and practice and produce at least one policy brief.

·Contribute to research proposals and scientific collaborations across the SAPRIN network.

·Mentor postgraduate students and emerging researchers where appropriate.

·Present research findings at one or more national conferences.

·Contribute to SAPRIN scientific outputs, reports and strategic initiatives.

Duration of contract:

12-month fellowship, renewable for a further 12 months subject to satisfactory progress.

Remuneration:

R 450 000 per annum (CTC)

Job Requirements
Applicants must:

·Hold a PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology, Demography, Biostatistics, Population Studies, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or a related discipline.

·Have obtained their doctoral degree within the past five years.

·Demonstrate a strong publication record relative to career stage (at least three peer-reviewed publications, including one first-authored publication).

·Have demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis and statistical methods.

·Have demonstrated experience working with large population-based or longitudinal datasets.

·Demonstrate excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

·Be able to work independently while engaging effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Desirable attributes include:

·Experience with demographic surveillance or population cohort studies.

·Advanced analytical skills using R, Stata, Python or related statistical software.

·Experience in policy-relevant research and knowledge translation.

·Experience supervising postgraduate students.

Applicants are requested to submit the following:

1. A cover letter outlining suitability for the fellowship.

2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

3. A one- to two-page research concept describing how SAPRIN data will be used during the fellowship.

4. Copies of qualifications. Certified copies of qualifications will be requested from shortlisted candidates.

5. Shortlisted candidates will be required to do a competency test.

6. Contact details of at least three referees.

Please send your resume/CV