Current Vacancies at HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council)

• The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) is a specialist research Centre within the Human Sciences Research Council, dedicated to producing policy-relevant research and statistical analysis in the domains of science, technology, and innovation within the African context. CeSTII has a vision to be a thought and practice leader, as well as an acknowledged site of excellence in its field, and aims to consolidate its position as a value- adding component of South Africa’s national innovation system. CeSTII includes specialists in the area of science, technology, and innovation measurement and policy, as well as economic development and other social science disciplines
• The unit seeks to appoint suitably qualified and experienced Research Assistants on a short-term contract (6-months)

Research Assistants x3 ( Short-term contract)

(Ref. No. CeSTII RA’s 01-09/2026)

Cape Town

Minimum Requirements    

• Applicants must be in possession of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, statistics, social sciences, development studies, information systems, or related fields or a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• A quantitative research background will be advantageous but not required.
• Two to three years’ experience in fieldwork data collection, collation, and analysis. Curiosity, enthusiasm, and interest in a research career that includes working with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficiency in or work experience with some or all the following programmes: MS Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SPSS, STATA, SAS.
• Sound knowledge of Data management and data analysis or statistical skills will be advantageous.
• Experience in and understanding of the concepts of Innovation Systems, the business sector, and STI measurement will be an added advantage.
• Willingness to relocate if you reside outside of Cape Town.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Contributing to all aspects of fieldwork for the National Research and Development (R&D) Survey and the Business Innovation Surveys, including respondent engagement, follow-ups, and data verification.
• Supporting data collection, collation, cleaning, and basic analysis in line with HSRC and CeSTII quality standards.
• Assisting with the preparation of high-quality research outputs arising from survey work, including fact sheets, research briefs, reports, policy briefs, and, where appropriate, academic publications.
• Contributing to the write-up of research results for internal and external presentations, workshops, and conferences.
• Participating in capacity development activities and actively developing personal research and academic competencies through formal and informal training.
• Meeting all duties, outputs and deliverables specified in an individual performance-based contract.

Deadline:23rd September,2026

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Job Advert Summary    

• The Public Health, Societies and Belonging (PHSB) research division 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, three-quarters of which are donor-funded.  PHSB conducts transdisciplinary, intersectional, policy and programme-relevant research to improve health, well-being and promote a socially just and cohesive society.
• PHSB division is in all HSRC offices in Pretoria, Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg. The division seeks to appoint one (1) Senior Research Specialist to join a dynamic team of researchers in the HSRC community. The incumbent will be based in one of the HSRC offices.

Minimum Requirements    
Key requirements:

The candidate must have:

• A Doctorate (NQF level 10) in Social Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology, or Biostatistics.
• An established research career as evidenced by publication. At least seven (7) peer reviewed publications in accredited academic journals some of which are first/sole authored.
• At least a minimum of Six (6) years in research and management experience is needed, preferably in a research institution or a university;
• Demonstrated experience in managing and coordinating research programmes.
• An interest in one of the priority research areas of PHSB will be an advantage;
• A sound grounding in research methods, especially quantitative approaches;
• Strength in epidemiological research methods and design;
• Sound knowledge of and experience in quantitative data management and data analysis skills
• Proficiency in or working experience with some of the following data software packages: STATA, R, SPSS, SAS or other relevant statistical packages;
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to addressing public health issues;
• The ability and enthusiasm to engage as a leader and team player in large-scale multi-disciplinary research, to lead and manage research teams, and to mentor and train their members;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Good communication and leadership skills;
• An excellent networking and fundraising track record;

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key responsibilities:

• The Senior Research Specialist will be expected to participate in all aspects of the research process as he/she works with staff on research projects. In addition to the responsibility to publish journal articles, a Senior Research Specialist will contribute to the sustainable growth of the PHSB research programme.
• Leading and conducting high level scholarly research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies which meet the challenge of peer review, and has both strategic and policy relevance;
• Responding to calls for proposals and formulating grant applications;
• Delivering high-quality results and reports to budget and deadline;
• Communicating research findings in national and international conferences, publishing papers in refereed journals as well as publishing policy briefs and technical reports
• Providing epidemiological and biostatistical expertise into projects;
• Networking with major users and funders of Public Health research to understand their research needs;
• Building national and international research links;
• Ability and willingness to mentor young researchers is also a key responsibility;
• Contributing to all the Key Performance Areas and Key Performance Indicators of the PHSB research programme.

Deadline:2nd October,2026