CIDRZ Overview:
Founded in 2001, CIDRZ has evolved as a major research institution to become an independent, local, non-governmental health organisation that has been an active partner of the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Health, and other Ministries. Our Mission is to improve access to quality healthcare through innovative capacity development, implementation science and research, and impactful and sustainable public health programs. CIDRZ experts utilise innovative and collaborative approaches to develop research, health services, and training initiatives with measurable results in key focus areas including HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, and Treatment; Tuberculosis Prevention and Control; Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health, Community Outreach, Health System Strengthening/Primary Care, and Enteric Diseases and Vaccine. To learn more, visit www.cidrz.org
Position Overview:
Reports to Chief Executive Officer. Working in close collaboration with the Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Health and other line ministries, local and international partners, and CIDRZ investigators, the Chief Scientific Officer will oversee the scientific portfolio at CIDRZ. In particular, s/he will lead the further development of a productive self-sustaining scientific program at CIDRZ, recruit a broadened base of mid-level to senior investigators, support a diversified research funding base, and inspire a culture of scientific excellence. S/he will provide technical assistance and supervision to CIDRZ research teams in all aspects of scientific inquiry from research question formulation to results dissemination.
Main duties:
- Leads the development and execution of the overall research strategy for CIDRZ including, setting institutional research interests and priorities and ensure its alignment to the overall CIDRZ strategic objectives and are consistent with MOH health priorities.
- Provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to scientific research operations and coordinates the administrative structures that support scientists.
- Manages the scientific review process of new opportunities that includes an evaluation and execution of all research programs and grants to ensure appropriate scientific merit (rigor), study design, feasibility, regulatory guidance, project management, timelines, and budgets are met.
- Develops strategic partnerships with investigators, researchers, national and international academic institutions, industry stakeholders, national regulators and relevant government agencies and community networks to advance the CIDRZ’s scientific agenda and programs.
- Supports grant writing and business development in one or more scientific areas aligned with the Chief Scientific Officer’s area of expertise.
- Executes and convenes necessary stakeholders including community groups for CIDRZ-sponsored scientific meetings, advisory groups, and roundtables to inform overall scientific strategy and advances critical research questions.
- Develops and executes scientific communication plan to support all research initiatives which may include written publications, submissions to scientific meetings, oral presentations, and engagement with key stakeholders - funders, government, and collaborators.
- Grows and nurtures new areas of research including recruitment and talent management of CIDRZ investigators.
- Grows and mentors CIDRZ investigators at all levels and exhibits intellectual generosity in supporting the development of diverse research areas within the institution.
- Provides guidance and supervision to the data management and data analysis unit, ensuring effective development of the unit and optimal use of internal and external resources.
- Provides guidance and supervision for the research operations department, ensuring effective operations support to all research teams.
- Develop, maintain, and comply with the CIDRZ’s research policies and procedures; comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Models and promotes a culture of adherence to codes of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for researchers at all levels.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. required in a clinical and or research discipline, preferred training in pure science (biomedical, biochemistry, immunology etc)
- 10+ years of experience in industry, academia, and or non-profit research organisations preferred.
- Proven record of independent funding and strategic research leadership, including the ability to drive innovation, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research programs and partnership with multiple stakeholders.
- Publication track record in one or more areas of expertise, including as first and senior author on peer-reviewed manuscripts.
- Experience in budget development and financial management and working effectively with diverse teams.
- Excellent people manager and mentor of scientific staff to build high performing team.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to scientific and lay audiences
- Experience with scientific funding agencies in Zambia, the US and elsewhere
This position is inclusive to the recruitment of a post-doctoral fellow in the field aligned with the CSO research portfolio. The CSO will have the discretion of selecting the successful candidate to support the CSO’s research focus.
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.