Post Doctoral Research Fellow.2.01 at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description        

• The postdoctoral fellowships target doctoral graduates who wish to pursue a career in health policy and systems research (HPSR), especially on the health workforce.
• The specific research areas that the postdoctoral fellows will focus on are
• skills mix, task sharing and the role of technology (one position);
• health workforce performance, productivity, well-being, job satisfaction, and retention (one position);
• leadership, management, governance and learning systems (one position).
• The fellows will work on the pre-defined topics described but within this will be expected to develop an independent contribution to the research as guided by Prof. Rispel and in collaboration with the wider AFRHiCARE partners.
• This could provide opportunities for cross-country comparative research as well as more specific research in South Africa. Fellows
• The successful candidates will also have the opportunity to learn about new research methods such as realist reviews and travel and collaborate with counterparts in Kenya, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.
• The postdoctoral fellows could contribute to teaching and postgraduate supervision activities linked to these research areas in the Wits SPH, provided that these are in accordance with relevant policies, including the National Research Foundation guidelines.

Eligibility

• A PhD in public health, health economics or biostatistics, social or management sciences obtained within the past five years. Applicants who did not obtain their doctorate in South Africa, should have a valid South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certificate at the time of application.
• Although preference will be given to South African citizens or permanent residents, applications from other sub-Saharan African countries are welcome.
• Familiarity with the field of health policy and systems research (HPSR), specifically HRH or health care management research.
• Advanced research skills, preferably in mixed methods
• Ability to work with various data sources, platforms, and software such as STATA, and R, as well as qualitative data e.g., MAXODA.
• At least two peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals
• A go-getter, willing and able to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to meet and honour strict deadlines.
• Younger than or equal to 40 years of age.
• Advanced English language proficiency.

 Advantageous skills 

• Experience in research project management and ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Post-graduate supervision experience
• Knowledge and/or experience of African health systems
• Prior experience on the health workforce and systems research.
• Ability to contribute to innovative approaches and solutions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including researchers, faculty, and industry partners.