Director: Centre for Cancer Research

In brief

**Overview** The University of Cape Town's Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) is seeking a Director for its Centre for Cancer Research (CCR). The CCR, which emerged from the Faculty's Cancer Research Initiative (CRI), aims to strengthen and promote interdisciplinary cancer research to ultimately improve patient care, survival, and quality of life for those affected by cancer. The Director will provide strategic leadership, secure funding to expand and sustain the CCR, develop research-enabling platforms, support researchers, promote community engagement, and ensure impactful research that informs policy and improves cancer prevention, diagnosis, and management in Africa and globally. **What you will do** * 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 **Requirements (from the original advert)** * 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 **Who should apply** An ideal candidate is a highly experienced cancer researcher with a proven track record in leadership within academic or research settings. They should possess strong strategic leadership and management skills, demonstrate success in securing research funding from national and international sources, and be adept at building and sustaining interdisciplinary collaborations. The candidate should also have experience engaging with policymakers and funding agencies, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to exercise independent judgment and creative problem-solving. **Deadline** 29 November 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/director-centre-for-cancer-research-university-of-cape-town Source: myjobmag

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At a glance

• At least 5 years of experience.

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