Senior Researcher – Health Systems Research

About the role

The Centre for Health Systems Research & Development seeks a Senior Researcher to lead and support high‑impact health systems research. The role involves supervising postgraduate students, mentoring junior staff, and driving context‑responsive studies that inform policy and practice.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise and co‑supervise postgraduate students.
• Mentor emerging researchers and junior staff in research design, academic writing and qualitative data analysis.
• Lead and contribute to research aligned with the Centre’s core themes using qualitative and mixed‑methods approaches.
• Co‑design and evaluate culturally relevant health interventions through participatory and implementation‑science principles.
• Organise and contribute to webinars, workshops and conferences.
• Develop competitive grant proposals linked to the Centre’s research agenda.

Required profile

• PhD (NQF Level 10) in Social Sciences, Public Health or a related discipline.
• At least three years of health systems research experience in a higher‑education or R&D setting.
• Proven track record supervising master’s students and publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Active participation in national or international research collaborations and conference presentations.
• NRF rating or strong potential to obtain one.

Required skills

• Qualitative research methods
• Mixed‑methods research
• Participatory research approaches
• Implementation science
• Qualitative data analysis
• Academic writing

What we offer

• Salary negotiable on request.
• Pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance.
• Housing allowance, leave and sick leave entitlements.
• Service bonus and study benefits.