Research trainee PhD level - 1 position to be based in Cape Town, Durban or Pretoria
Three year contract (Reference: HSD PI 07/13)
Category: Human and Social Development
Location: Cape Town, Durban or Pretoria
Date published: 3 July 2013
Date expires: 26 July 2013
The Human and Social Development (HSD) research programme of the HSRC currently employs a multi-disciplinary group of humanities scholars and social scientists in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria. Our focus is on individuals, social contexts and public policies that include two cross-cutting themes (humanities and diversity), and four primary areas of focus, namely children, youth, families and communities. Our research concerns the social conditions (e.g. inequalities; diversity, social solidarity) and identity markers (e.g. gender, race, class, age, culture, disability, and sexual orientation) that shape life opportunities and promote social solidarity in the midst of on-going and dynamic change, and alongside social movements that emerge in response to these challenges in South Africa and on the African continent.
HSD seeks to appoint a PhD research trainee, with immediate effect. To complement our existing team, priority will be given to candidates with quantitative data analytic skills including familiarity with a range of quantitative software, the ability to work with large data sets, and experience in designing survey questionnaires. The internship experience is intensive and seeks mature individuals who are able to work independently as well as in a team. The appointed PhD intern will develop their research expertise by working with experts and project specialists. Salaries are market related and highly competitive and the appointment is for a three year term.
Key Responsibilities:
In addition to completing their degrees, research trainees are required to participate in all aspects of the research process as they work on research projects. Among other duties, they will participate in the following activities under supervision:
- The conceptualisation and execution of research projects;
- The formulation of research questions and funding proposals;
- The submission of research proposals for ethical review;
- Collection and analysis of data;
- Write up of research including manuscripts for publication, conference presentations, and research reports; and
- Assist with administrative matters in the research environment.
Key Requirements:
- Applicants for a PhD internship must have graduated with a Master’s degree and be eligible and able to register for a PhD in the Social Sciences/Humanities within six months of their start date if they are not already registered;
- Candidates must have an interest in one of the priority research areas of HSD;
- Computer literacy including MS Office, Outlook and Excel and related applications in quantitative software;
- Good planning and organisational skills, including working well under pressure;
- Sound communication skills (verbal as well as report writing);
- A sound conceptual grounding in their discipline and in research methods;
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applications
In your application, please include:
1) a one page letter of motivation indicating your suitability for the position;
2) your CV, that must include your South African citizenship or residency status, and expected date of submission of your dissertation;
3) a published article in an academic journal or a writing sample, as well as a one-page outline of your Master’s dissertation/PhD thesis; and
4) the details of three recent referees with telephone, fax or e-mail contact details.
Please indicate the reference number that appears in this advert. The HSRC will only consider applications that include the above requirements. Applicants will be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position. The HSRC is committed to accelerating the proportion of its researchers who are black, female or disabled.
Applications should be submitted to:
The Human Resources Department
Private Bag X41
Pretoria,
0001
E-mailed and faxed applications will not be accepted.
For further information please consult the HSRC website or contact:
Profs. Arvin Bhana abhana@hsrc.ac.za (Durban)
Vasu Reddy vasureddy@hsrc.ac.za (Pretoria)
Sharlene Swartz sswartz@hsrc.ac.za (Cape Town)
Closing date: 26th July 2013. We encourage applicants to submit before that date.
If you do not receive any response from us within eight weeks, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Only candidates who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their application.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted
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