About the position
Background:
- Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
- WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
- In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics
Division: Wits Planetary Health Research
Main purpose of the job:
- To design, lead and manage the WPHR quantitative sciences portfolio, focusing on analysis of climate and health data using traditional biostatistics and/or data science methods
Location:
Key performance areas:
- Write data analysis plans for grant proposals and study protocols
- Manage and oversee data science and related quantitative sciences, staff
- Provide support for the project teams in planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities, including tracking tools
- In conjunction with the Scientific Lead and Project Team, oversee the preparation of data for analysis of health outcomes and environmental exposures across Africa
- Write progress reports of data analysis for stakeholders, including networks and funders
- Participate in data science analyses with other partners and external stakeholders
- Assist with coordinating the inputs of partners on data analysis plans in grant applications
- Stay abreast with relevant data analysis advances and collaborate closely with other investigators on related studies
- Publish scientific publications and compile conference presentations, and supervise PhD students, where relevant
- Generate ideas for data analyses and novel approaches to investigating the data
- Offer thought leadership on policy implications and future research needs based on emergent research findings
- Participate in discussions regarding the future direction of the research within Climate Change and Health
- Provide thought leadership on how to best structure research activities in the team and amongst partners
- Supervise and manage the data and statistical analysis team to ensure optimal employee engagement
- Identify, supervise and provide clear direction to consultants supporting the analysis activities
- Perform and facilitate coaching sessions with the team to develop their skills in statistical analysis
- Coach and train team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation
- Promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information
Required minimum education and training:
- Master of Science in Biostatistics or Data Science (a PhD will be an added advantage)
Required minimum work experience:
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience with statistical analysis, and experience working in an environment that involves the application of public health principles will be advantageous
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
- Good writing and data visualization skills
- Experience in time series analysis in climate change advantageous
- Ability and experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong R or Python programming skills
- Experience in managing sensitive data (e.g. according to the POPI Act)
- Previous experience in statistical analysis of large health projects would be of added value
- Experience working with large and complex datasets (e.g., remote sensing, health data, climate model data)
- Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
- Maintain effective working relationships with all internal and international project partners
TO APPLY:
- Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page)
- Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
- This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL
- However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
- Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
- Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
- Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
- Closing date: 03 July 2026
- Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date
Please note:
- WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto
- AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
- AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position
Desired Skills:
- Senior Statistician
- Data Visualization
- Programming Skills
- Statistical Analysis
- Sensitive Data
- Masters degree
- PhD
Employer & Job Benefits:
- Medical Aid and Provident Fund
