Job Ref #: R931A
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

The SAMRC’s Environment and Health Research Unit (E&HRU) requires a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Scientist (seasoned). This position falls under the EHRU’s Programme for Climate Change and Human Health. Applicants should have a keen interest in; research related to environmental or public health.

To cover the multifaceted aspects of the post, we require an energetic person with a strong theoretical and practical background in environmental health, particularly, in air quality exposure and risks.

 

Responsibilities:

• Leadership, collaboration and organizational skills
• Scientific writing and presentation skills
• Conduct innovative, high-impact research that contributes significantly to the field in peer reviewed journals (ISI journal articles, editorials, book chapters, and technical reports) as first/senior author
• Commitment to capacity development and Communication skills
• Lead and participate in writing and securing competitive research grants, including self-initiated research and/or equipment grants
• Project, time and financial management skills
• Supervise and mentor post-graduate students to successful graduation
• Engage with, and/or contribute to, scientific and/or professional services that lead to socially responsive activities, or professional services
• Contribute (or as part of a team) to raising awareness, promoting debate, and shifting discourse in civil society, communities, industry, health, or education sectors using professional, scientific expertise, or research findings

Location of the post

• Pretoria, Cape Town or Durban

Duration of the contract

• Permanent

Remunaration

• R966 586.00 per annum (cost to company)

Job Requirements

• PhD Candidate (substantial progress / last year of PhD: write-up, post analysis phase) in public health, health sciences, epidemiology or behavioral sciences.
• 3-5 years of experience working on environmental health issues within a research institute or related environment.
• 2-3 years project management experience within environmental health
• Record of 5 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters and technical reports) with at least 3 as first/second or last author.
• Successful research and/or equipment grant application of ≥ R100,000 (examples such as external travel award, Thuthuka, etc.)
• Successfully graduated at least 2 post-graduate students
• Record of translating professional, scientific or clinical expertise, new knowledge and
• research findings into public understanding, policy, and/or practice, in order to improve health.
• Experience in budgeting, financial and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills.

 

Advantageous:

• A relevant PhD
• 5 years working experience of environmental health issues within a research institute or related environment

Closing Date

• 06 May 2026