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HUMAN SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL (HSRC)
 


MASTERS RESEARCHER TRAINEE
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/08/22
Reference Number HSR250721-1
Job Type Fixed Term contract- long term
Job Title Masters Researcher Trainee
Business Area Equitable Education and Economics - EEE
Department EEE
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location - Town / City Pretoria, Cape Town or Sweetwaters
Location - Province KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Gauteng
Location - Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF8 - Hons Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 22-Aug-2025
Job Category Other
 
Job Advert Summary
In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’ the Research Divisions, Units, Institutes and Centres of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertake policy-oriented research from its offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Sweetwaters. Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.
Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) is a research division of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) that undertakes research to transform educational outcomes and increase economic participation. It recognises that education and the economy are intrinsically linked, and thus EEE conducts research in both areas, sometimes discretely, many times overlapping, and using a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the gains and growth South Africa needs.
EEE has a large and vibrant research programme with over 30 experienced and emerging researchers working on methodologically rigorous and transformative research. We do so with a focus on understanding transformation and innovation in a spatialised economy that includes access to land and food security, and researching the future of education, work and skills needed to ensure young people gain relevant skills to equip them for successful transitions into sustainable, meaningful and socially just forms of livelihoods.
EEE is currently looking to appoint one Masters Researcher Trainee to work in either the fields of education or economics, on a fixed-term two-year contract. This Traineeship can be based in any of the HSRC offices, namely Pretoria, Cape Town or Sweetwaters.
Masters Researcher Trainee (1 Position)
Ref. No: MT EEE 07/2025
 
Minimum Requirements
  1. Applicants for the Masters Researcher Traineeship must have graduated with an Honours degree and be registered (proof of registration will be required within 6 months of assuming duty) for a Master’s degree in the Social Sciences (particularly in areas such as Economics, Statistics and Development Studies);
  2. Strong written and verbal communication skills;
  3. Willingness to participate in conferences/ present research findings;
  4. Sound knowledge of data management, intermediate level qualitative and quantitative analysis skills;
  5. Competence in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Competence in data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, Atlas.ti) will be an advantage;
  6. A sound academic record;
  7. Willingness to learn through hands on engagement in a variety of research projects;
  8. Intellectual and personal integrity, a well-developed work ethic, and drive;
  9. Self-discipline and the ability to manage both the demands of the job and ensure that university studies are timeously completed;
  10. Curiosity, enthusiasm and interest in a research career; and
  11. Applicants must be South African citizens.

Duties & Responsibilities
  1. Work with a professional research team on all aspects of policy-oriented research, including conceptualisation, operationalisation, data collection and analysis, and participation in the dissemination of findings;
  2. Assist with the preparation of research ethics submissions;
  3. Conduct and organise literature reviews and other secondary data searches;
  4. Undertake qualitative and quantitative data collection;
  5. Assist with conducting descriptive and inferential analysis of quantitative data under supervision;
  6. Develop project management skills in the research environment;
  7. Contribute to the preparation of peer reviewed academic journal articles, research reports, study protocols, presentations, manuscripts and research grant proposals;
  8. Participate in structured research trainee mentoring and capacity development activities; and
  9. Make demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Master’s degree
The HSRC offers a fixed salary at this level that allows time for completion of studies.
Applications should include:
  1. A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability and goals for the position.
  2. A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and include details of your citizenship.
  3. The details of three recent referees with telephone/cell number, e-mail, and institutional affiliation.
  4. Proof of Registration for Masters Studies.
  5. A one-page outline of your envisaged Master’s thesis.
The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.
Please note that applicants may be required to complete a written test pertaining to this position.
Please register and submit your application on-line at https://hsrc.erecruit.co/candidateapp
 

Application Instructions:
  • Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make application for available vacancies;
  • Candidates will be prompted to upload their documents;
  • Attachments must be less than 1MB, there is an on-screen option to resize;
  • The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 attachment. Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.
 
Enquiries about the nature of the position, and NOT applications, may be directed to Maria Ngema at email address mngema@hsrc.ac.za
 
For further information about the HSRC or the post, please consult our website www.hsrc.ac.za.
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its staff complement who are SA Citizens, black, female or disabled.
 
Closing date: Friday, 22 August 2025. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.
 
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
 
APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
 
Policy
In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008.
The HSRC aims to attract and retain high-calibre skills and human resources necessary to effectively execute both its mandate to conduct research and to support the strategic intent of the organisation.
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of South African Citizens who are black, female, or disabled towards achieving Equity goals.
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Application from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE




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SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR: AISA
 
Details
Closing Date 2025/07/31
Reference Number HSR250630-1
Job Type Permanent
Job Title SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR: AISA
Business Area Africa, BRICS and Global South - AGBS
Department Africa Institute of South Africa - AISA
Number of Positions 1
Workplace Type Hybrid
Location - Town / City Pretoria
Location - Province Western Cape, Gauteng
Location - Country South Africa
Minimum Education Level NQF 10 - PhD Degree or equivalent
Application Closing Date 31-Jul-2025
Job Category Education

Job Advert Summary
Within the Africa, BRICS, and the Global South (ABGS) Division, the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) drives the HSRC’s Pan-African research and partnership agenda. AISA serves as a catalyst for policy-relevant, interdisciplinary, and impactful research that deepens Africa’s collective capacity to address development challenges, including inequality, poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation. In doing so, AISA supports the implementation of the HSRC’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and South Africa’s African Agenda, in alignment with the DSI’s Africa Strategy, SADC’s RISDP 2020-2030, Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
 
AISA is seeking to appoint a visionary and experienced academic leader as:
 
SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR: AISA
(Ref. No. HA: AISA 07/25)
Permanent Appointment
 
Minimum Requirements
  • A PhD in a relevant discipline in the social sciences, humanities, or African studies.
  • At least 10 years of senior research and leadership experience, including five years at a director or professor-equivalent level.
  • A strong record of scholarly publishing, with a significant number in local and international peer-reviewed journals.
  • Proven success in research leadership, strategic planning, and organisational management.
  • Experience in securing and managing large-scale research grants and partnerships, particularly those involving African and multilateral stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated interest and expertise in African development, Pan-African policy frameworks, and knowledge diplomacy.
  • Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and deliver results in complex, fast-paced environments.
  • Working knowledge of STATA, SPSS, NVivo, AtlasTI or similar packages is an advantage.
  • Fluency in English and at least one other African language is highly desirable.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee AISA’s research, partnerships, and implementation support in alignment with HSRC’s 2025-2030 strategy, with a strong emphasis on regional integration, development justice, and science diplomacy.
  • Conceptualise and implement innovative, interdisciplinary research programmes that contribute to the HSRC’s impact agenda and advance inclusive knowledge systems across the African continent.
  • Produce high-quality research outputs, including policy briefs, working papers, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Foster and manage strategic partnerships with African governments, universities, research councils, multilateral agencies, and civil society actors.
  • Mobilise research funding and steward large-scale, multi-country and multi-stakeholder projects.
  • Support the generation, analysis, and use of spatial and other data relevant to Africa’s development.
  • Champion knowledge translation and policy uptake, representing AISA and the HSRC in high-level forums across the continent and globally.
  • Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and performance management to a diverse and multidisciplinary research team.
  • Contribute to internal governance, organisational development, and compliance with the HSRC’s operational policies and national legislation.

 
Policy
In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008.
The HSRC aims to attract and retain high-calibre skills and human resources necessary to effectively execute both its mandate to conduct research and to support the strategic intent of the organisation.
The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of South African Citizens who are black, female, or disabled towards achieving Equity goals.
The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Application from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE




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