Unit Director

**HIV AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH UNIT (HIDRU)**

(DURBAN, PRETORIA, JOHANNESBURG OR CAPE TOWN)

PREFERABLY BASED IN DURBAN

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression. The organisation prides itself on six core values: pioneering, partnering, excellence, respect, integrity and citizenship.

**UNIT DIRECTOR**

**(Competent or Seasoned / Associate Professor or Professor)**

**Duration: 5-year contract**

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life through promoting and conducting relevant and responsive health research.

The HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU) is an intramural unit at the SAMRC. The Unit runs epidemiological, behavioral, basic science, randomized controlled trials and clinical studies to investigate the vulnerability of men, women & youth to HIV, TB and other infectious diseases. The unit conducts innovative biomedical HIV prevention research; exploring combination HIV and other infectious diseases prevention strategies to address individual’s and community-based risk and investigating methods in translating evidence-based research into policy and programmes.

The post holder will assist with and form an integral part of the SAMRC’s transformation agenda.

The Unit Director position calls for a senior researcher with international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain a centre of excellence that facilitates the generation and dissemination of methodological research and primary research to enhance evidence-informed healthcare and policy. Applicants should possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE**:

- Lead and manage all aspects of the Research Unit in line with SAMRC objectives.
- To build networks locally, nationally and globally to support the dissemination of research and maximise impact on health and health/health service policy and practice.
- Development of strategic plan for the Unit.
- Advance transformation by mentoring and building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan
- Develop, implement and monitor progress of the Transformation Strategy of the Unit.
- Write and secure grants and contracts to undertake research prioritized for the Unit.
- Stakeholder Management and scientific research.

**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE**:

- A PhD in Epidemiology or Public Health or a Medical Speciality.
- HPCSA registration as a medical doctor (specialist), medical scientist or other allied health professional
- At least 15 years’ experience in research, of which 8 years must be in senior leadership and/or management capacity within the Epidemiology, or Public Health environment.
- NRF rated or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within HIV and other Infectious research.
- A track record of research, grants, publications - national and international (between 50 and 80 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters)).
- Extensive experience in the management of projects, including the development of a multi-year programme of work
- A track record of clinical trials experience, including protocol development, principal investigator and site leader experience.
- A track record of working effectively with relevant government departments, national and international partners, funders and other stakeholders
- Evidence of research translation efforts and international leadership in the field of stakeholder engagement
- Leadership skills in mentoring and managing a research unit.
- Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited faculty member and/or keynote speaker.
- Led research programmes with multi-million-rand research budgets (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects)
- Record of capacity strengthening at the national and regional level
- A track record of capacity building of emerging scientists through graduating Masters and PhD students and training staff in relevant research methods; track record of contributing to transformation initiatives.
- Human resource and financial management
- Experience in leading a unit or department
- Staff management experience
- Financial and risk management experience
- Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills

The MRC offers a total cost-to-company remuneration package will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience (see table 1 below for Unit Director levels).

**Closing date: 13 September 2024 at 16:30pm**

**PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R767A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMA