Main purpose of the job:To design and implement research projects on climate change and health, analyze study findings, publish scientific articles and lead grant applicationsWork with multi-disciplinary research groups across Africa, in the EU, UK and USAContribute to projects funded by the Wellcome Trust and European Union in the Implementation Science DirectorateThese projects will generate evidence to mount a response to climate change in AfricaWe document the health impacts of heat waves and extreme heat on vulnerable populations in Africa, including pregnant women, infants, and healthcare workers, and we assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce these impactsLocation:The position requires working in both the Parktown, Johannesburg & Hatfield, Pretoria (Tshwane) offices alternatelyKey performance areas:Lead research and study designWrite research protocols and SOPs for studiesParticipate in discussions regarding the future direction of research strategies and plans for Wits RHIObtain ethical approval from relevant regulatory bodiesDevelop and design research toolsConduct fieldwork, when required (data collection, interviews, etc.)Monitor the progress of research projectEnsure data quality is maintainedWrite progress reports to stakeholders including networks and fundersStay abreast with relevant research findings and collaborate closely with other investigators on related studiesConduct data analysis (with input from statistical team) and write up resultsPublish scientific publicationsCompile conference presentationsDisseminate research findings internally and to universities and others stakeholders such the community, CABsLead the development of funding proposalsContribute to research and funding proposals led by other team membersAdvise Wits RHI leadership on research opportunities and mediaContribute towards policy developmentTrain team and other relevant staff on protocols, SOPs, Project implementation and relevant research methodologySupervise post graduate students (1/year)Attend to all staffing requirements and administrationSupervise and manage the duties of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilisation and maintenance of sound labour relationsPerform and facilitate performance development and assessmentsIdentify substandard performance by team members and take necessary corrective actionCoach and train subordinates and team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisationPromote harmony, teamwork and sharing of informationTake ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self managementFollow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintainedMaintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedbackTake ownership for driving own career development in attending training and development sessions and relevant forums/meetingsMaintain and update knowledge of developments in field and expertiseRequired minimum education and training:PhD in appropriate related discipline OR Epidemiology OR MBBCH with a public health higher Degree Required minimum work experience:Minimum 5-8 years research experience Management of research programme/s Research record with ongoing output evidenced by at least eight published refereed papers Experience in grant/proposal and fundraisingMembership of Professional ,School, Faculty, Department Committees and/or taking leadership roles in the Public Health domain within the Public or NGO sectorsProfessional body registration:HPCSADesirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:Experience in independently implementing observational or interventional research studiesPrior lecturing, tutoring or postgraduate supervision experienceCertification in good clinical practiceExperience working in a low or middle income countryExperience working in large collaborative networksFamiliarity with quantitative data analysis softwareOrdered, systematic and analytical in approach to researchTactful, respectful and non-judgmentalGood administrative skills with high-level working knowledge of Microsoft OfficeAble to work under pressure and adhere to deadlinesSelf motivated, able to work independently and work as part of a multidisciplinary teamAssertive, confident and adaptableDemands of the job:National and international travel with and overtime/weekends may be required from time to timeWorking in rural areas or under-resourced and/or unpleasant circumstances may be experienced from time to timeWork in a highly pressurised environmentTO APPLY:Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.Please Apply Online and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.The closing date for all applications: 20 September 2024.Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.Please note:AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.
