Chief Scientific Officer
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 further develop 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 ensuring their alignment to the overall CIDRZ strategic objectives and are consistent with MOH health priorities.
• Provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of 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 (rigour), 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 advance critical research questions.
• Models and promotes a culture of adherence to codes of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for researchers at all levels.
Qualifications
• PhD required in a clinical or research discipline, preferred training in a 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 partnerships 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 a high-performing team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for scientific and lay audiences
• Experience with scientific funding agencies in Zambia, the US and elsewhere
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The closing date is Friday, 30th June 2023. Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For full details and to apply for this job, please go to http://www.cidrz.org/jobs/
The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is an independent non-profit Zambian organisation committed to answering key research questions relevant to Zambia and the region. It supports local ownership of high-quality, complementary and integrated healthcare research and services within the Zambian public health system and facilitates clinical, research and professional development training.
Through close and ongoing collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and its line ministries and partnering with leading local and international universities, CIDRZ ensures that the latest research methodologies are used to answer locally relevant questions to improve healthcare delivery.
