Chief Specialist Scientist – Cancer & NCD Research

About the role

The South African Medical Research Council seeks a senior leader to drive strategic scientific direction within its Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform. The Chief Specialist Scientist will shape the Council's reputation in cancer and non‑communicable disease research, lead multidisciplinary programmes and secure major funding.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in molecular cancer and/or NCD research.
• Initiate, lead and manage novel national and international multidisciplinary research programmes.
• Conduct high‑impact translational research and publish as first or senior author in ISI‑indexed journals.
• Secure and manage substantial national and international grant funding as Principal Investigator.
• Lead research strategy, innovation and capacity‑development initiatives within the unit.
• Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and early‑career scientists.
• Foster strategic collaborations with academic, governmental, clinical and international stakeholders.
• Translate research findings into public‑health impact, policy contributions, intellectual property and innovation outputs.

Required profile

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Epidemiology or related field.
• At least 40 peer‑reviewed ISI‑indexed publications, minimum 12 as first author.
• Internationally recognised leader in cancer research with NRF C1 (or equivalent) standing.
• Proven record of securing >R10 million in research grants as Principal Investigator.
• Experience supervising and graduating ≥10 MSc/PhD students and >20 years in molecular/cell biology research.