Bachelor’s degree in Medicine/Surgery or relevant comparable qualification (NQF8) as recognised by SAQA. 3 year’s experience in relevant field and registered with the medical board HPCSA or similar authoritative body.

The Medical Doctor will be the sole medical practitioner to provide complete generalist medical, surgical and emergency dental care, to about 12 expedition members for up to 15 months, at SANAE Base in Antarctica. This station accommodates about 12 people in winter and about 40 during summer (December to March). He/she will also be required to render occupational medicine, nutrition, preparation of first-aids kits, inventory control of pharmaceuticals and equipment. Medical support includes remote support from South African Military Health Service. Additionally, he/she will provide instruction and advice to fellow expeditioners on matters of health, medical procedures and first-aid. Preparation of monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order supplies and equipment and do other common “nonmedical” duties performed by expedition members. Manage and maintain the sickbay, equipment and supplies. Should the incumbent present a befitting profile, he/she could be nominated as the team leader of the expedition. The successful incumbent will be required to perform the role of the onboard ship doctor en-route to Antarctica including pre-departure preparations. During this period the Doctor will need to undergo the requisite training provided and comply with all policies and regulations governing the ship’s crew. Note: The incumbent will execute duties at an Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (December 2026 to February 2028) at SANAE base. There is no option to return to South Africa before February 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well-being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

Knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, nursing status and other relevant legal framework such as: Nursing Act, Health Act. Must have practical experience in and/or be able to respond to the following fields ATLS-Acute Trauma Life Support, ACLS-Acute Cardiac Life Support. General Medicine, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry and Mental Health Counselling. Secondary areas include Emergency Management, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care, Basic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Occupational and Industrial Medicine, Dentistry, Radiography, Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine. Training may be provided in some of these areas before departure. Applicants must provide proof of registration as a medical practitioner and details of any suspensions or other actions from relevant medical registering bodies.