Unit director (r485a) - closing date: 29 april 2022
UNIT DIRECTOR BIOSTATISTICS RESEARCH UNIT 5-year fixed term appointment The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is a globally recognised and respected medical research institution whose vision is to build a healthy nation through research, innovation and transformation. The South African Medical Research Council's Biostatistics Research Unit seeks to appoint an eminent statistician to serve as the Director of the Unit. The successful candidate will provide leadership in the collaborative and methodological research programs and statistical training of the Biostatistics Unit. The Unit is mandated to apply, develop and promote statistical methods in clinical and health research conducted by the SAMRC. The Unit provides statistical support to the SAMRC's intra- and extra-mural research units, researchers and other key organisations. Statisticians from the Unit are involved in clinical and pragmatic trials, national surveys related to HIV, TB and health, implementation research and selected areas of sports science. Active statistical research areas include spatial modelling, longitudinal data analysis, analysis of cluster randomized trials and structural equations modelling. The Unit also comprises the Geographical Information Systems (Health-GIS Centre) and the South African Food Data System (SAFOODS). A seasoned statistician with international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain a centre of excellence is required for this position. Applicants should possess the following knowledge, skills and experience: A strong research vision, and a track-record of engagement within their institution and across the wider statistical community An excellent portfolio of applied, methodological and collaborative publications and a proven track record in research grant acquisition, commensurate with their stage of career development Strategic leadership acumen and the ability to influence and shape the output and success of the Unit Experience in health-related research at a seasoned level, with an international standing Extensive experience in the management of projects, staff and budgets, including the development of a multi-year programme of work Sound knowledge of the health system and burden of disease of South Africa and the African region Excellent communication skills, both written and oral In training, teaching and supervising graduate students. KEY REQUIRMENTS INCLUDE: Doctorate in Biostatistics or Statistics Proven knowledge of Epidemiology10 years' experience in the field of health research Track record of research, grants, publications – national and international (at least 50 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters)) At least five years of experience in management of a biostatistics/statistics consulting unitValid driver's licence. Evidence of having: In research Leadership in the collaborative and methodological research programs and statistical training Designed and led methodological research projectsPresented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited keynote speakerLed papers published in international peer reviewed journals, with multiple publications as a first and senior author In capacity strengthening Strong interest in Biostatistics capacity strengthening at the national and regional levelExperience in developing a vision and action plan across an entity (e.g. unit, department etc) for strengthening capacity for undertaking biostatistics researchA track record of capacity of emerging statisticians through graduating Masters and PhD students and training staff in relevant advanced statistical methodsStakeholder engagement A track record of working effectively with the National DOH, Provincial Departments, other relevant government departments, international partners, funders and other stakeholders to include health sector policy and services, understand national and regional health system research priorities and disseminate research evidenceLeadership Leadership and scientific experience within internationally and nationally recognized research settingsProblem solvingHuman resource and financial management Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skillsExperience in leading a unit or departmentStaff management experience Financial and risk management experienceTerms & Conditions: The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. In accordance with the SAMRC's Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. By submitting your application, SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). Applicants are advised that the SAMRC has adopted a Workplace Policy on Covid-19 Vaccinations as part of its conditions of employment. The SAMRC does its best to provide the most accurate information; however, if there is anything wrong and unclear applicants are encouraged to contact the HR Recruitment Office at 021-938 0648 before the closing date. The SAMRC offers a total cost-to-company remuneration package negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience.Closing date: 29 April 2022 PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R485A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION