Senior Researcher (Two-year contract)
(Ref. NW11/132/0418)

The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA) is a national research centre established under the Centre of Excellence programme of the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation, and based at Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch, South Africa. SACEMA specialises in model-based 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.

The Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre (DTTC), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, is a world leader in tuberculosis clinical and epidemiological research. The DTTC works to improve the health of vulnerable groups through high quality clinical and epidemiological research which influences policy and practice to impact on TB and HIV in the South African context and globally.

SACEMA and DTTC are hiring a Senior Researcher, to be jointly appointed at both Centres (50/50) and reporting to the Director: SACEMA. The ideal candidate would have medical training, extensive experience working on the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) in high-incidence settings, including in South Africa, and in combining mathematical modelling approaches with real-world data to address important research questions to improve TB control. Salary support will be provided from SACEMA’s core funds (up to 50%) and through external grants secured in collaboration with SACEMA and/or DTTC. The incumbent will split time between the SACEMA offices in Stellenbosch and the DTTC offices at the DTTC, Tygerberg Campus.

Responsibilities:
Leading the SACEMA-DTTC TB modelling partnership, including developing opportunities for research collaborations and capacity building activities;
Developing a research programme on the epidemiology and control of TB in high-incidence settings, with a focus on work that combines clinical and modelling approaches, and leading to continuous accredited high-quality research output;
Leading and collaborating on grant proposals to support the above-mentioned research programme;
Supervising students at the Honours, Masters, and/or Doctoral level;
Contributing positively to the DTTC and SACEMA communities through service and regular engagement with students, other researchers and support staff.

Requirements:
PhD in Epidemiology or other relevant discipline;
Minimum five years’ relevant experience working on the epidemiology and control of TB in high-incidence settings;
Experience working in clinical research settings;
Experience in developing mathematical models to address research questions applicable to TB control;
A record of continuous, accredited high-quality research output, with a growing record of publication;
Post-doctoral research experience and/or multiple publications as the lead or senior author;
A record of successful collaboration, including collaborations with international researchers;
Demonstrated potential to secure external research funding;
Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire new skills and work in a collaborative environment;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.