Senior Researcher (PhD in Physiology - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract - Wits DPHRU)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• The MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU) is situated in the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) as an extramural research unit based at the University of the Witwatersrand
• At Wits, DPHRU forms part of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health in the School of Clinical Medicine of the Faculty of Health Sciences
• Addressing national priorities of increasing life expectancy, decreasing maternal and child mortality and strengthening health system effectiveness, DPHRU forms a unique research platform with substantial infrastructure and equipment, extensive longitudinal data from the Birth to Twenty Plus cohort, and well-established links with urban and rural South African communities
• Specifically, DPHRU investigates genetic, physiological, psycho-social, and lifestyle determinants of growth and development, obesity and risk of cardiometabolic disease, and healthy ageing through innovative multi-disciplinary methodologies across the life-course
• DPHRU draws upon a conceptual framework that sees health in adult life as a product of a multi-generational process that can be affected adversely by shocks or deprivation, as well as enhanced by the existence of protective factors or appropriate interventions in critical periods
• Insight into the converging complexity of environmental and social factors across the lifespan in South Africa is critical for understanding the pathways to the development of ill-health, engaging in effective advocacy, and leading the development of successful interventions
• DPHRU is well positioned to provide scientific and local formative and intervention research in the area of developmental origins of health which will complement the science of existing research entities tackling metabolic disease, health and wellbeing in South Africa
• DPHRU forms part of:
• Wits Molecular Biosciences Research Thrust: Health for Africa
• Wits Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Research Thrust
• SAMRC Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases National Collaborative Research Programme

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• To lead, design, manage, and deliver high-impact cardiovascular research within the GenHueart Project. The role is responsible for scientific direction, data-driven analysis, publication output, and postgraduate supervision
• The post holder provides intellectual leadership across cardiovascular physiology, epidemiology, and biostatistics, while ensuring research quality, compliance, and sustainability

• DPHRU - Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto

• Lead the conceptualisation, design, and scientific direction of cancer research studies and multi-site research programme
• Define research questions, analytical frameworks, and methodological approaches
• Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and alignment with national and global cancer research priorities

• Ensure ethical approval, regulatory compliance, and governance for all studies
• Oversee data stewardship, access control, and data sharing in line with institutional and funder policies
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, funder data sharing policies, and best practice in responsible research

• Lead advanced statistical analyses
• Interpret complex dataset
• Provide senior scientific input into analytical decisions and troubleshooting
• Oversee and review analytical outputs produced by junior staff and students

• Lead manuscript development from concept to submission
• Serve as senior or corresponding author on key outputs
• Present research findings at national and international conferences
• Translate findings for policy, clinical, or public health audiences where relevant

• Supervise MSc and PhD students to timely completion
• Mentor early-career researchers and postdoctoral fellows
• Build analytical and methodological capacity within the unit

• Provide oversight to ensure effective and efficient implementation of approved budget/s for the study programmes and projects
• Provide oversight to ensure that study budgets are executed in line with applicable policies and procedures
• Provide oversight to ensure that contract management is in line with applicable policies and procedures
• Compile relevant management reports regularly
• Support/assist operations staff in ensuring IT infrastructure and systems are in place & enable efficient working

• Take ownership and accountability of the work and demonstrate effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that the quality and productivity standards of one's own work are consistently and accurately maintained
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Take ownership of driving one's own career by participating in ongoing training and development activities

• PhD in Physiology
• Strong training in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research design and biostatistical skills
• Formal research ethics and governance training (e.g., GCP Certification where relevant) highly advantageous
• Demonstrated academic writing and publication track record

• At least 5 years’ experience in applied research, programme evaluation, or academic research environments
• Experience managing research teams, fieldwork, and complex project implementation
• Experience in ethics applications, data governance, and regulatory compliance
• Proven experience in data analysis, publication development, and multidisciplinary research delivery

• Experience in cardiovascular physiology, public health, epidemiology and biostatistics
• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent organisational, administrative, and project management capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple high-level deliverables simultaneously
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in complex interdisciplinary environments
• Commitment to research ethics, scientific integrity, and social impact
• High level of initiative in career development, academic advancement, and institutional contribution

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV including a Cover Letter (One pager) which clearly states why you are applying for this position
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
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• 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
• 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
• Closing date: 19 May 2026
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

• WHC, in accordance with its 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
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• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position