Epidemiologist/biostatistician (Re-advertisement) at National Health Laboratory Services

REFERENCE NUMBER: CORPAARQA6424/001-01 (09924-001-1360)

Key Job Responsibility

•  To provide epidemiological support and interventions to AAR and NHLS researchers. 
•  To keep track record of all research activities within the NHLS and maintain a useful research and researcher’s database. 
•  To facilitate and be involved in the training, mentoring,
• supervision as well as any other capacity building activities. 
•  Advise and facilitate preparation of scientific reports and articles. 
•  Review and advice on statistical analysis for grant applications. 
•  To review applications and protocols to ensure consistency, sound research approach and advice on adequacy on projected sample sizes and data collection processes to meet objectives and statistical analysis
• that will lead to sound inferences. 
•  Implement of statistical and epidemiological research tools or resources relevant to supporting NHLS researchers. 
•  To provide advice on statistical and /or epidemiological methods and applications for planned research studies, design of research protocols and data analysis. 
•  To advice and/or review statistical analysis plans ensuring that appropriate regulatory
• requirements and study objectives defined in the study protocols are met. 
•  To give advice on best public health intervention strategies
• and practices and ensure best adherence to scientific methodology. 
•  To provide advice on designs and implementation of
• epidemiological studies and surveillance systems. 
•  To facilitate active participation in public health policymaking and research translation. 
•  To provide additional support and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures for research activities within AARQA as well as other needs. 
•  To assist with publication reviews and enhance process for translation of research to policy and
• /or service. 
•  To comply with the AARQA data integrity, research and business ethics requirements. 
•  To represent AARQA at regulatory
• meetings, sponsor meetings, and any other multifunctional meetings as needed. 
•  Be actively involved in the writing and submission of
• scientific papers. Participate in relevant internal, Provincial, National and International meetings if required. 
•  Collaborate and strengthen the relationship between NHLS, the National Department of Health (NDoH), partner universities and other key stakeholders by being the
• liaison for all partnerships. 
•  Strengthen systems for accessing NHLS and private laboratory data for epidemiological applications with specific reference to surveillance and outbreak responses. 
•  Manage and supervise other projects which will support the administrative work of the project funders.

Minimum requirements & key competency

•  MSc Degree in Epidemiology or Biostatistics (in Public Health or any other medically related field) (NQF Level 9) 
•  PhD in Epidemiology/Public Health or equivalent (Desirable) 
•  Registration with HPCSA (Desirable) 
•  Minimum Seven (7) years post
• qualification experience in epidemiology within a public setting 
•  Minimum of 4 publications as a first author 
•  Knowledge of statistical packages preferably SAS or STATA:SQL or advanced Excel 
• Knowledge of record database management and data analysis 
•  Good scientific writing skills 
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to process scientific and medical data. 
•  Able to work independently 
• Expertise in manipulating and analysing data. 
•  Ability to identify data issues, present problems, and implement solutions. 
•  Capability of communicating technical concepts clearly, concisely and understandably. 
•  Good Leadership, organisational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask. 
•  Strong interpersonal communication and presentation skills. 
•  Ability to effectively collaborative across functional teams.