Junior Researcher at SACEMA

DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA)

Junior Researcher (One-year contract)

(Ref. NW11/265/0921)

The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA) is a national research centre established under the Centre of Excellence programme of the Department of Science and Innovation and the National Research Foundation, and based at Stellenbosch University. SACEMA specialises in modelling and analysis to improve health in South Africa and across the African continent. Trained in mathematics, biology, physics, economics, statistics, and epidemiology, our researchers bridge disciplines to understand disease dynamics and improve real-world outcomes.

SACEMA is hiring a Junior Researcher to be based in Stellenbosch and to report to the Director: SACEMA. The ideal candidate would have a Master's in a relevant discipline, a passion for conducting quantitative research to improve health in Africa, a desire to learn new things, and excellent collaboration skills. Salary support will be provided from the SACEMA core grant and other external funds.

Duties

• Conducting scoping reviews for potential research projects;
• Assisting with new and ongoing research projects of priority to SACEMA;
• Providing regular updates to the Director on ongoing work and training needs;
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals;
• Contributing to grant proposals to support the above-mentioned research programme and activities;
• Contributing to SACEMA's training workshops and short courses on an as-needed basis;
• Peer-mentoring of other junior researchers (including students);
• Contributing positively to the SACEMA community through service and regular engagement with students, other researchers, and support staff;
• Promoting the reputation of SACEMA and Stellenbosch University through positive engagement of stakeholders and publication of high-quality, relevant research.

Job Requirements

• A Masters degree in Epidemiology, Mathematical Epidemiology, or another relevant quantitative discipline;
• A good academic record during undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as evidenced by transcripts and academic references;
• A demonstrated aptitude for research;
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Experience with scientific programming;
• A demonstrated ability to quickly acquire new skills and work in a collaborative environment.

Recommendation

• Fluency in word processing and data management skills;
• At least one co-authored publication in a recognised, peer-reviewed journal;
• A record of successful collaboration;
• Experience with Human Subjects Research ethics review processes;
• Familiarity with the broad range of disciplines encompassed by SACEMAs research, including infectious disease epidemiology, public health, disease ecology, mathematics, and statistics.

#LI-POST

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the EE plan for the specific environment as well as Stellenbosch University's institutional EE Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and e-mail addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

Enquiries regarding job content: Prof. Juliet Pulliam on 021 808 2786 or at pulliam@sun.ac.za

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process:

Human Resources Client Service Centre on 021 808 2753, or at SUN-E-HR@sun.ac.za