Senior Researcher (Job ID 6440)

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

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INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements as well as the following standard documentation:
A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications please include SAQA accreditation).
A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter appointment contract service certificate or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
Supervise and co-supervise postgraduate students.
Mentor emerging researchers and junior staff including support in research design academic writing and qualitative data analysis.
Lead and contribute to context-responsive research aligned with the Centre for Health Systems Research & Developments (CHSR&D) core research themes using appropriate qualitative and/or mixed methods approaches.
Contribute to the co-design and evaluation of culturally relevant health interventions using participatory and implementation science research principles.
Organise and contribute to webinars workshops and conferences organised by the CHSR&D.
Contribute to competitive grant proposals aligned with the CHSR&Ds research themes.

Inherent requirements:
A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Social Sciences Public Health or a related field.
A minimum of three (3) years relevant experience in health systems research within a higher education or research and development environment.
Proven experience in supervision of graduated masters degree students Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods and approaches.
Evidence of active participation in productive research collaborations and networks with leading national and/or international universities/scholars.
Proven experience in presenting research papers/posters at national /international scholarly conferences.
Proven research track record of accredited publications in national/internationally accredited peer-reviewed journals.
An NRF-rating or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF rating.

Recommendations:
Experience in participatory health systems or implementation research conducted in collaboration with communities health service providers or policy makers.
Exposure to implementation science or health systems intervention research.
Experience contributing to the development of research grant proposals.

Required competencies:
Results Orientated:
- The ability to stick with tasks not give up and overcome obstacles in completing ones task.
- The ability to be reliable responsible dependable and to fulfil obligations.
Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to focus on details work towards perfection and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
Business Acumen:
- Proficiency in using NVivo software
- Proficient in using MS Office.
Leading:
- The ability to lead take charge of situations and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
13 May 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme medical aid scheme group life insurance housing allowance leave and sick leave service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries please feel free to contact or email or . Additionally kindly contact / 9813 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: u

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.