Director: Centre for Cancer Research
Job Description
- 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.
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
Closing date: 29 November 2026
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
Interested in this role?
You'll apply on University of Cape Town's own site before 29 November 2026. Put your most relevant experience at the top of your CV first.
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