Requirements:

• PhD or MBChB, or equivalent degree in a relevant field (e.g., oncology, epidemiology, molecular biology, public health, global health)
• At least 5 years’ experience in cancer research, including leadership in an academic or research setting
• Proven track record in securing research funding
• Knowledge of the health research funding environment (national and international)
• Experience as a Principal Investigator of a cancer research study
• Strong business planning, conceptual, and management skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain interdisciplinary collaborations
• Experience engaging with policymakers, funding agencies, and international organizations
• Knowledge of local and international cancer research environment
• Solid teamwork and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well with clients, employees, senior management, and students.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply creative problem-solving techniques
• Demonstrated Cancer/Research teaching and supervision.

Advantages:

• Business management qualification
• Knowledge and experience of university systems and practices
• Record in securing donor funding

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and management of the CCR
• Secure funding and resources for the CCR
• Lead the development and maintenance of cancer research-enabling platforms
• Oversee the development of grant proposals and fundraising initiatives to sustain and expand the Centre’s programs
• Develop and implement a research capacity development strategy for the CCR in partnership with all relevant stakeholders
• Establish and strengthen collaborations with academic institutions, healthcare facilities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and industry partners, locally and globally
• Engage with policymakers to translate research findings into evidence-based policies for cancer prevention and control
• Develop mechanisms that enable UCT researchers from a broad range of backgrounds to engage in cancer-related research through the creation of a community engagement platform
• Enhance the reputation of the CCR and the university by undertaking quality cancer research and communicating that research to the public and scientific community
• Working towards ensuring the CCR becomes a University Research Committee (URC) accredited research entity.