Master’s Research Internship at HSRC

Job Description

The HIV, AIDS, STIs and TB (HAST) programme within the HSRC employs a multi-disciplinary group of social scientists and public health specialists who conduct numerous empirical and policy-related studies each year, many of which are donor-funded.

The HAST research programme specializes in research on the social determinants of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis. The research strives to address these health problems at their source, namely, at both the social and population levels. It also includes social aspects of delivery models for biomedical interventions in order to optimise delivery of interventions.

One of the four units in HAST is known as the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance (SAHARA). SAHARA specializes in research on the social determinants of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis. The mission of SAHARA is to bring together key partners (civil society, donor and international organizations, researchers, policy makers, and people living with HIV and AIDS) to influence policy and responses through the production and dissemination of evidence-based research on the social aspects of HIV/AIDS.  It has three regional offices (i.e. West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa).

Port Elizabeth based – 2 year contract

The Master’s Research Internship in the HSRC is meant to provide the successful candidates with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists. The research internship experience is intensive and seeks mature individuals who are able to work independently as well as in a team. While appointees will be exposed to a wide variety of project-related research, they will be expected to complete their thesis within two years. Time is set aside for this purpose.

The SAHARA Core Office which is based in Port Elizabeth is looking to hire a Master’s Research Intern for a period of 2 years. The successful candidate will be based in the HSRC’s Port Elizabeth office in the Eastern Cape.

In addition to being registered at a recognised South African university and currently working on their degrees, or eligible for registration at a recognised South African university, research interns are required to participate in all aspects of the research process as they work with other staff on different research projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Among other duties, they will participate in the following activities under supervision:

• Participation in the conceptualisation and execution of research projects;
• Participation in the formulation of research questions and writing proposals;
• Assisting with the submission of research proposals for ethical review;
• Collection and analysis of data;
• Writing up of research results, research reports and manuscripts for publication;
• Presenting at conferences;
• Management or supervision of research project activities.

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must be in possession of a relevant Honours degree in the social and   human sciences, or in epidemiology, demography and related disciplines;
• Applicants must be registered for the appropriate higher degree either with a recognised South African or other university;
• A sound grounding in research methods will be a strong recommendation;
• Requisite computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, SPSS, STATA, ATLAS-ti);
• Ability to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• are in possession of a valid and unendorsed driver’s license;
• have with an interest in community based research;
• are willing to work after hours and over weekends and in communities.

The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages depending on qualifications and experience. Successful candidate will be required to work a flexible 40-hour week. From time to time the incumbent may be required to work beyond these hours.