Masters Research Trainee at Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC)

Minimum Requirements    

• Applicants for the PhD internship must have graduated with a Master’s degree and be eligible for registration for a PhD in the Social Sciences (particularly in areas of Education, Sociology of Work, Development, Training and Skills Development, Economics or cognate disciplines);
• Preference will be given to applicants who are able to demonstrate proof of registration or evidence that registration will be possible within 6 months of appointment;
• Demonstrated critical thinking and report writing skills;
• A sound conceptual grounding and experience in survey research methods;
• The ability and enthusiasm to engage as a team player in large scale research projects.
• Competence in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• A sound academic record;
• Intellectual and personal integrity, a well-developed work ethic, and drive;
• Self discipline and the ability to manage both the demands of the job and ensure that university studies are timeously completed;
• Applicants must be South African citizens.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Participate, as part of a team, in research activities and projects;
• Manage and oversee quantitative and qualitative fieldwork activities;
• Prepare and submit research proposals for ethical review;
• Undertake qualitative and quantitative fieldwork;
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis independently including the use of appropriate software;
• Conduct and organise literature reviews and other secondary data searches;
• Contribute to (and if desired lead) the preparation of peer reviewed academic journal articles, research reports, study protocols, presentations, manuscripts and proposals;
• Assist with administrative matters and project management in the research environment;
• Participate in structured research trainee mentoring and capacity development activities; and
• Make demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a PhD degree.
• The HSRC offers a fixed salary at this level that allows time for completion of studies.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability and goals for the position.
• A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and include details of your citizenship.
• The details of three recent referees with telephone/cell number, e-mail, and institutional affiliation.
• Proof of Registration for PhD Studies.
• One chapter of your completed Masters thesis.
• An outline of your envisaged PhD Proposal [word limit: 2500], which must include the following:

1. Abstract
2. Problem statement
3. Aims
4. Objectives

• Potential contribution of the research to the broader field of study

Closing Date: 23rd, June 2022.