Data Science Unit Professional Lead
Data Science Unit Professional Lead
Reference# JR100827
Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is an independent, transdisciplinary research institute based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AHRI’s research addresses complex and urgent health challenges facing under-resourced communities in South Africa, with outcomes that inform policy and practice.
Job overview:
AHRI has an excellent opportunity for a Data Science Unit Professional Lead to provide strategic and professional leadership across the Data Science Unit.
The successful candidate will provide professional leadership across research data management, biostatistics, bioinformatics, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and health informatics at AHRI. The incumbent will work closely with the Academic Data Science Lead (an AHRI faculty member) to support AHRI’s strategic objectives and to provide expert data science leadership across the full research cycle. This includes study
conception and design, data analysis, interpretation, dissemination of findings, and data curation. The role also involves strengthening data quality, advancing analytical capability, and driving the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches across AHRI’s research portfolio. In addition, the incumbent will lead, manage, and mentor the Data Science Unit teams, ensuring high-quality outputs and fostering a collaborative,
innovative, and high-performing research environment.
Minimum criteria:
A PhD in Statistics, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Health Informatics, or a related field, or an MSc with equivalent research experience in medical research; at least 10 years’ experience as a lead statistician, bioinformatician, or data scientist in medical research; at least 5 years’ experience managing, supervising, and mentoring research staff; proven experience leading analyses of large and complex longitudinal datasets; strong programming and statistical computing skills (R, Stata, Python, Julia or equivalent); demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary research environments.
AHRI offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority of the role.
How to apply:
Please visit the AHRI careers page at https://www.ahri.org/ahri-careers/ for the full job advert and to submit your application.
The closing date is 27 June 2026.