PhD Research Trainee at Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC)

Job Advert Summary    
The DCES division is looking to appoint a PhD Research Intern who has studied and has an interest in the field of human and social sciences particularly in areas of democracy, governance, citizenship, developmental state, peace, human security, and sustainable development. The Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) division conducts transdisciplinary, intersectional, policy and programme-relevant research. The two over-arching questions that guide the research interventions are:

• How to strengthen democracy through transparent governance, accountable leadership and   reinvigorated public participation/ civic engagement; and
• How to ensure sustainable development through peace, human and social security

Minimum Requirements    

• Applicants must be in possession of a Master’s degree in a field of human and social sciences, and should be registered for, or about to register for, a PhD with a registered South African University;
• Experience in and understanding of the concepts of the developmental, capable and ethical state (democracy, governance, citizenship, peace, human security and sustainable development, etc.);
• Sound knowledge of data management and qualitative and quantitative analysis skills will be very advantageous;
• A sound academic record;
• Experience in the preparation of research reports and manuscripts for publication, whilst having peer reviewed articles in recognized journals will be advantageous;
• Experience in communicating research findings at conferences;
• 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;
• Proficiency in or working experience with some or all of the following programmes: Atlas T, NVIVO, MS Access, Excel, Word, SPSS, STATA;

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Working as required on all aspects of a developmental, capable and ethical state which includes research projects, technical advisory to government, dissemination of results at various fora, and stakeholder engagements;
• Writing reports, fact sheets and policy briefs from survey work and other projects;
• Making demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Doctoral degree;
• Producing peer reviewed research articles that appear in accredited journals;
• Writing up research results for workshops/conferences/presentations;
• Developing own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;
• Compilation of all specific duties and deliverables assigned in an individual performance based contract.

Closing Date: 24th, June 2022.