Vacancy: Director Health Systems Research Unit in the South African Medical Research Council 5 Year Contract Based in Parow, Western Cape We seek a dynamic new director for the Health Systems Research Unit. The goal of the Unit is: To provide interdisciplinary research leadership in the field of effectiveness of health care services and systems in South Africa. The director should be a national leader in health systems research with a strong vision to 'improve the impact of health care on health'. The unit currently focuses on evaluating healthcare interventions; but the mandate could be expanded beyond this scope. Developing methodology and capacity in health systems research are key objectives. The Unit collaborates widely with scientists in South Africa and overseas. The key result areas for this position are: * Strategic planning for the Unit in alignment with the MRC goals, objectives and research priorities * Knowledge generation in terms of original research and methodology * Capacity building within the field of health systems research * Securing funding to maintain and grow the research group * Translation of research results into policy and practice and advocacy for health systems research * Human resource and financial management of the research Unit The successful applicant would preferably hold a research doctorate and be experienced in the methodologies of health systems research. He or she will be expected to have published widely in the field of health systems research. A medical degree or other health professional qualification would be advantageous. The ability to generate research concepts and questions; and to write research protocols are vital competencies for the position. He or she would have the networking skills needed to interact with government departments, faculties of health sciences, international agencies and other relevant stakeholders. The Medical Research Council fully subscribes to the principles of Employment Equity and these principles will be applied in the appointment for this position. Disabled persons are welcome to apply. For this five-year contract position, the MRC offers a total cost of employment remuneration package that includes the organisation's contribution towards fringe benefits. Closing date: 19 April 2004 Please submit a detailed CV to: Ms Elsie Venter Group Human Resources MRC, PO Box 19070 Tygerberg 7505, South Africa or Fax: +27-21-938-0829 E-mail can be sent to: Glenda Schroeder glenda.schroeder@mrc.ac.za Please indicate the title of the position that you apply for.