Job Details

  • Reference number: E230284
  • Province: Western Cape
  • Type of engagement: Permanent appointment
  • Posted: August 3rd

Background to Position

The Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine was established in 2004 as a cross-faculty postgraduate research institute based within the University of Cape Town (UCT). The IDM is a pioneering research institute with significant global reach. It has successfully brought biomedical and clinical research together in a synergistic relationship. It is physically and administratively located within the Faculty of Health Sciences. The IDM vision is to be an international centre of excellence where world-class scientists work together to tackle diseases of major importance in Africa.

Their mission is:

  • To conduct basic, clinical, and public health research that is leading-edge and relevant to the needs of African people
  • To develop indigenous scientific capacity in the biomedical sciences
  • To influence health policy and practise by translating scientific discoveries and applying them in our communities
  • To build partnerships with other research centres in South Africa and elsewhere

The IDM conducts research at the laboratory-clinic-community interface by engaging a wide range of scientific and clinical disciplines. Collaborative research is an important focus for the IDM, with collaborators being based at 67 South African institutions, 85 African institutions in 20 African countries, and 319 institutions in 35 countries internationally. The IDM also has links to other institutions through 35 research consortia and 26 industrial partners.

The Director of the IDM is responsible to the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences for the work of the IDM and the financial management thereof and is required to submit annual budgets to the Dean, and to report quarterly on performance against budgets to the Dean. The IDM Director must report on the scientific activities of the IDM to the International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAC) and seek its advice and must account to the Governing Board for the work of the Institute and keep the Governing Board informed on the financial position of the IDM. 

For this position we seek a dynamic and innovative leader who shows evidence of collaborative leadership in complex and adaptive research environments both locally and globally. In the spirit of the IDM, an essential capacity of the successful applicant will be their ability to reflect and pursue a developmental agenda including commitment to the success of others.

Job Description

Responsibilities: 

  • Provide scientific strategic leadership for the IDM which builds on the current strengths and creates innovative approaches to its work.
  • Lead an active, well-funded, personal research program in the IDM in one or more of the Institute’s focal areas and meet the requirements for appointment as a Full Member. 
  • Responsible for day-to-day running of the IDM as chair of Exco. This entails direct line management of the IDM’s Research Enterprise Manager, the H&S, Biosafety & Facilities Manager, and Programme Coordinator.
  • Responsible for financial management of the IDM.
  • Build and maintain an inclusive research culture which ensures development of researchers through support of members, postdocs, postgraduate students in their career development.

Appointment will be made at the level of Professor in alignment with the candidate’s standing as well as the Faculty’s expectations for performance at this academic rank.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements for the job:

  • A PhD in a relevant field OR a clinical qualification with a substantial research record.
  • Evidence of a global standing within biomedical science.
  • Clear demonstration of outstanding research leadership with an active research enterprise in one of the IDM core areas of strength.
  • A track record of a capacity for fund raising and innovative partnership development.
  • Appropriate experience within the research landscape which demonstrates astute management and visionary leadership.
  • Evidence of a role in regional and continental research networks. 
  • A demonstrable commitment to transformative leadership in equity, diversity and inclusion processes across different environments. 

Application Requirement

To apply, please e-mail the below documents in a single pdf file to Ms Tracy Moore at recruitment05@uct.ac.za    

  • UCT Application Form (download at http://forms.uct.ac.za/hr201.doc)
  • Motivation letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position, and
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)

Please ensure the title and reference number are indicated in the subject line.

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to undergo assessments.

Telephone: 021 650 5405 Website: www.health.uct.ac.za 

Reference number:  E230284 Closing date:    13 August 2023

UCT 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. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

About University of Cape Town

“UCT is a community of exceptionally talented students, teachers and researchers – and a wide range of professional, administrative support and service staff – all of whom are committed to help change this world for the better. We encourage one another to work hard, not only to earn degrees or public recognition, but also to be leaders in this increasingly changing world. Our vision is to be an inclusive, research-intensive African university that addresses the challenges of our time with cutting-edge teaching, research and facilities. As a university we are committed to promoting transformation, to working tirelessly to guarantee the sustainability of our institution, and to ensuring excellence in all we do.”