DIRECTOR: CENTRE FOR CANCER RESEARCH

(5-year contract)

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

The University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Director of the Centre for Cancer Research (CCR). Emerging from the Faculty’s Cancer Research Initiative (CRI), the CCR underscores the Faculty’s commitment to tackling the growing burden of cancer. The Centre aims to strengthen and promote interdisciplinary cancer research, ultimately improving patient care, survival, and quality of life for those affected by cancer.

The Director will provide strategic leadership and will secure funding to enable the expansion, and ensure the sustainability, of the CCR towards achieving its vision as a transformative, innovative centre for cancer research. The Director will also develop and maintain cancer research-enabling platforms, support emerging and established cancer researchers, promote community engagement, and ensure impactful research that informs policy and improves cancer prevention, diagnosis, and comprehensive management in Africa and globally.

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 of experience in cancer research, including leadership in an academic or research setting


• Proven track record in securing research funding


• Knowledge of the national and international health research funding environment


• 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 stakeholders, employees, and senior management


• Ability to exercise independent judgment and creative problem-solving techniques

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 as it transitions from the CRI


• 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 programmes


• 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 creation of the 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


• Develop and support interdisciplinary research training courses for researchers and students


• Working towards ensuring the CCR becomes a University Research Committee (URC) accredited research entity

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description, see link: view

The level of appointment will be made at Professor or Associate Professor level, in alignment with the candidate's current position, level of experience, and the Faculty's expectations for performance at each academic rank. The remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment and applicable conditions of service, and may be aligned to either the Academic or Clinical Academic remuneration framework, as appropriate.

To apply, please click the 'apply' button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. 

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)


• Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position


• Proof or professional registration


• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.


• Highest qualification


• ID/Passport

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.  References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries about the application process are to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at [email protected] or 021 650 5405.        

Closing date:              29 November 2026

Faculty website:        https://health.uct.ac.za

Reference number:    ID1607

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/oic/employment-equity.

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected].

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.