PhD Research Trainee at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    

• The focus of the Science in Society unit is to undertake research about the science/society interface, and to generate knowledge resources and tools to build the HSRC’s impact capabilities. Knowledge resources include databases, research outputs, expertise, and new ideas about impact and engaged research/scholarship in the social sciences and humanities. The unit undertakes both research and praxis, which form a mutually reinforcing knowledge and skills base. Research requires a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses, inter-alia, scholarship related to impact assessment, the research/policy nexus, and science communication. Praxis includes the development of policy briefs, the translation of research evidence into accessible multi-modal formats, qualitative evidence synthesis, tools, practices and frameworks for impact.

A 3 Year contract to be based in Cape Town or Pretoria
The Impact Centre seeks to appoint one (1) PhD Research Intern who has studied and has an interest in the fields of research impact, engaged research/scholarship, science and technology policy, science communication, and the public understanding of science. The Research Trainee Programme in the HSRC provides the successful candidate with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists. The research trainee experience is intensive and requires a mature individual who is able to work independently as well as in a team. The successful individual will be required to balance day to day duties and responsibilities in the Impact Centre and the HSRC with PhD related work and complete their PhD qualification within three years.

Minimum Requirements    
Key Requirements:

• Possession of a Master’s degree in social science, natural sciences or any other appropriate Master’s degree;
• Registration with, or about to register for a PhD with a recognised  South African University;
• Experience in and understanding of the concepts of research impact, engaged research/scholarship, science and technology policy, science communication, and the public understanding of science;
• Domain knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence would be advantageous
• Good knowledge of data management, and qualitative and/or quantitative analysis skills;
• A sound academic record;
• Curiosity, enthusiasm and interest in a research career that includes working with statistics and data analysis;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment - good communication and leadership skills are required; and
• Proficiency in or working experience with some or all of the following programmes: Atlas Ti, NVIVO and MS Office.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities:

• Working as required on all aspects of work in the areas of research impact, engaged research/scholarship, science and technology policy, science communication, and the public understanding of science
• Searching for relevant literature, writing up literature reviews for projects
• Conducting analysis and writing up research results for workshops/conferences/presentations;
• Producing peer-reviewed research articles that appear in accredited journals;
• Writing reports, fact sheets and policy briefs from survey work and other projects;
• Making demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Doctoral degree;
• Developing their own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities; and
• Compilation of all specific duties and deliverables assigned in an individual performance based contract.

Closing Date    
2023/06/14