Senior Scientist
| Published | October 2, 2026 |
| Expires | October 23, 2026 |
| Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Category | General |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
Description
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.
Job Description
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.
Job Requirements
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.
Please Send your resume/CV
