Senior Researcher

The Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within two wee ks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful. Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand. Key performance areas Research evidence translation: - • Synthesise 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 syntheses 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 programme 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 VACANCY Job title: Senior Researcher Division Wits PHR - Planetary Health Research Type: Permanent ☒ Fixed Term ☐ Temporary ☐ 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 Closing date: 25 September 2026 Submit detailed CV to: vacancies33@witshealth.co.za Advert reference number: Snr Researcher - 02 In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto. The Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within two wee ks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful. Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand. 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 Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, please send an email to vacancies33@witshealth.co.za. The subject heading of the email must read Snr Researcher – 02 and the job title of position applying for. Please include the following documentation: • A cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for • A detailed CV