Senior Researcher (Planetary Health Research - Wits Health Consortium)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
• WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
• In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics

POSITION INFO:
Division: Wits PHR - Planetary Health Research Main purpose of the job: To lead the systematic and effective translation of Wits PHR's climate change and health research evidence into accessible and actionable knowledge products that drive policy change, inform public discourse, and support community action to ensure evidence does not remain confined to academic journals but reaches and influences decision-makers, practitioners, media, and affected communities Location: Johannesburg \/ Cape Town Key performance areas: Research Evidence Translation: Synthesize research findings into coherent, policy-relevant knowledge products Produce policy briefs, evidence summaries, case studies, technical reports, and other knowledge products tailored to specific audiences Work with WPHR Research Leads to ensure research evidence directly informs policy engagement and financing applications Provide timely evidence synthesis in response to emerging policy windows, crises, or Stakeholder requests Ensure all knowledge products meet high standards of scientific accuracy, accessibility, and policy relevance Train WPHR Researchers in knowledge translation skills, ensuring all Hubs can effectively communicate their findings Research Technical Support, Design and Implementation: Lead and write research protocols Develop and design research tools and Standard Operating Procedures Obtain ethical approval from relevant regulatory bodies Support the capacity building of team on research strategies, tools, and methodologies, if required Data procurement Monitor the progress of research projects Write progress reports to Stakeholders including networks and Funders Conduct data analysis and write up results Stay abreast with relevant research findings and collaborate Respond to funding opportunities to advance the program research agenda Peer review of journal articles Supervise Students if applicable Participate in discussions regarding the future direction of research strategies and plans for Wits Planetary Health Research Dissemination: Publish scientific publications Compile conference presentations Disseminate research findings internally and to universities and other Stakeholders such as the community, community advisory groups, government, and media Research Stakeholder Management: Participate in the conceptualization, design, and implementation of the Research Stakeholder engagement strategy Communicate the research project strategy to internal and external Stakeholders Participate meaningfully in meetings\/workshops that seek to address\/review the Research Stakeholder engagement or the implementation thereof Coordinate and manage engagement with existing and established climate groups, both within the consortium and outside (SAWS, etc.) Required minimum education and training: Master's Degree in Health Science, Social Sciences or related field Required minimum work experience: Minimum of 4 years Research experience in Climate and Health topics Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities: PhD in Health or Social Sciences will be advantageous Demonstrated experience in implementing research projects Must have experience with data analysis software and understanding of statistical analysis outputs and tables Ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines Ability to work independently and work as part of a multidisciplinary team Willing to travel nationally and internationally and to work overtime\/weekends from time to time TO APPLY: Only if you mee t the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for 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 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 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: 25 September 2026 Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date Please note: 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 AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position