Job Description

SOUTH AFRICAN COCHRANE CENTRE(CAPE TOWN OFFICE)The South African Medical Research Council, South African Cochrane Centre (SACC) requires a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Scientist (Seasoned)Senior Scientist (S)Duration: PermanentThis position aligns with current activities being carried out by the Training Working Group team. Together with Cochrane Collaborative activities, this role will independently direct key aspects of systematic literature review (SLR) research projects, as well as manage multiple projects with tasks varying to degree by project, including conduct of training workshops, teaching and supervision of postgraduate students and mentoring systematic reviewers. Specific skills required include presentation, scientific writing and preparing journal publications, data analysis and interpretation and, knowledge and experience in critical appraisal and the analysis of synthesized results.To cover the multifaceted aspects of the post, we require an energetic person with a strong theoretical and practical background / experience in evidence-based methods.Responsibilities:

• To support training and capacity strengthening of Cochrane reviewers in South Africa and the continent more broadly.
• To support training and capacity strengthening of staff and students in the unit, and across the SAMRC.
• To synthesize the evidence base through drafting and editing sections of project deliverables (e.g. reports, protocols, statistical analysis plans)
• To engage in dissemination activities, abstract and manuscript preparation and publication.
• To contribute to research translation outputs such as guidelines, policy briefs and media.
• To support and manage research programmes and unit internal activities.
• Assist with laboratory preparations incl. labelling of sample containers, processing and preservation of biological specimens from experimental animals
• General assistance - Ad hoc tasks from time to time to assist with smooth operation of labs, including experimental animal lab's activities and samples transportation/deliveries, ensuring services continue uninterrupted.
• Monitor and record general laboratory conditions (room and fridge/freezer temperatures, humidity, surfaces, equipment etc.)

Core Requirements:

• Master's degree in appropriate discipline with relevant quantitative focus
• At least 5 years working experience in quantitative systematic review methods
• First author of a Cochrane Review; at least five ISI peer-reviewed ISI journal articles (two as first author) published.
• Teaching experience at postgraduate level; proven track-record of student supervision at masters' level
• Ability to communicate information and ideas, provide research support including liaising with other stakeholders
• Presenting research findings and reports at relevant conferences/meetings, oral presentation at international conference or Cochrane Colloquia
• Experience with Cochrane quantitative systematic review-related computer applications including Cochrane Library, RevMan, Risk of Bias, Grade-Pro.

Advantageous:

• Qualification of a Master's Public Health with current registration (and substantial progress) towards a PhD
• Undergraduate qualification in health-related field
• Active member of evidence-based working group(s) contributing to policy initiatives such as national guidelines or WHO

Terms & Conditions: The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. In accordance with the SAMRC's Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. By submitting your application, SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). The SAMRC does its best to provide the most accurate information; however, if there is anything wrong and unclear applicants are encouraged to contact the HR Recruitment Office at 021-938 0648 before the closing date.A salary in the region of R 917 251.00 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualificationsClosing date: 23rd October 2024PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R 789A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.This website is optimised for secure, standards compliant web browsers. In order to view and use this website, you should use a web browser other than Internet Explorer.Options include: The latest version of 'Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera and Safari'

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