Specialist Scientist – Epidemiology & Burden of Disease

About the role

The South African Medical Research Council is seeking an experienced Specialist Scientist to join its Burden of Disease Research Unit (BODRU) in Cape Town. You will lead analyses of mortality and cause‑of‑death data, monitor excess mortality trends, and support the production of national and provincial health indicators.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for mortality and burden of disease research programmes.
• Lead grant applications, research projects and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Produce and publish high‑quality scientific outputs, including journal articles, technical reports and conference presentations.
• Mentor and supervise researchers, postgraduate students and junior staff.
• Translate research findings into evidence‑based policy recommendations and advocacy.
• Oversee programme governance, financial management, monitoring and reporting.

Required profile

• PhD or MBChB with a relevant Masters (e.g., epidemiology, biostatistics, MPH).
• Minimum six years of experience in epidemiology, public health or related fields.
• At least ten lifetime publications with three as first or senior author.
• Successful track record of generating research income of at least R300,000.
• Experience supervising three or more postgraduate students to graduation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings to policy makers and the public.

Required skills

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Public health data analysis
• Mortality and cause‑of‑death data analysis
• Grant writing
• Budgeting and financial management
• Risk management

What we offer

• Competitive salary around R1,111,367 per annum (cost‑to‑company).
• Opportunity to influence national health policy through high‑impact research.
• Support for professional development and capacity‑building initiatives.