Senior Scientist (E)

Job Reference Number: R944A Department: Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform Business Unit: Industry: Academic Job Type: Permanent Positions Available: 1 Salary: Market Related The SAMRC invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Senior Scientist (E) position within the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), based in Cape Town. Job Description The SAMRC invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Senior Scientist (E) position within the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), based in Cape Town. The successful candidate will conduct and lead research in one-health surveillance using molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and epidemiological approaches. The incumbent will generate and translate scientific evidence to support public health decision-making, publish research findings, supervise postgraduate students, and contribute to capacity development and collaborative research initiatives within the unit. Key Responsibilities: Support implementation of quantitative and qualitative tools to better understand to understand disease outbreaks. Perform and oversee laboratory workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, qRT-PCR, and LC-MS analyses. Analyse and interpret molecular, epidemiological, qualitative and quantitative statistical data. Prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and grant proposals. Present research findings at local and international conferences. Supervise and mentor postgraduate students and junior researchers. Develop and maintain SOPs, quality assurance systems, and research documentation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. Support infectious disease surveillance and outbreak investigations. Duration: Permanent Remuneration: R 715 505 per annum Job Requirements Core Requirements: Master’s degree in Molecular biology, Epidemiology, or a related field. At least two years of research experience monitoring viruses and pharmaceuticals in environmental samples. At least one year of epidemiology-based research experience related to antimicrobial resistance and One-Health. At least two years of hands-on experience in qRT-PCR, LC-MS, and associated molecular biology workflows. A minimum of two peer-reviewed ISI-indexed journal publications, with at least one as first author. Successfully co-supervised =1 post-graduate students to graduation. Demonstrated proficiency in data management, quantitative and qualitative statistical analysis, and interpretation. Competence in biostatistical software (R, Stata, ArcGIS, QGIS). Experience presenting research findings at local and international scientific conferences. Strong scientific writing and communication skills. Advantageous: PhD in Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, or a related discipline. Experience in monitoring viral and bacterial pathogens in environmental samples. Experience in outbreak investigations and infectious disease surveillance. Established collaborative networks with academic, governmental, and public health institutions. Closing Date: 17 July 2026