Senior Researcher – Health Systems (Job ID: 6498)

About the role

The Centre for Health Systems Research & Development at the University of the Free State seeks a Senior Researcher to lead and support health‑systems research initiatives. This permanent position is based on the Bloemfontein campus and involves supervising postgraduate students, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to high‑impact research projects.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise and co‑supervise master’s and doctoral students.
• Mentor emerging researchers in research design, academic writing, and qualitative data analysis.
• Lead context‑responsive 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 present 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.
• Minimum three years of experience in health‑systems research within a higher‑education or R&D environment.
• Proven track record supervising master’s degree students.
• Active participation in national or international research collaborations and networks.
• Experience presenting research at scholarly conferences.

Required skills

• Qualitative research methods
• Mixed methods research
• Participatory research approaches
• Implementation science

What we offer

• Permanent academic appointment with access to research funding.
• Opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.
• Supportive research environment within a leading South African university.