ROBBEN ISLAND MUSEUM VACANCIES

​RESEARCH ASSISTANT 
12 MONTHS CONTRACT 
The above position is available in the Heritage & Research Department at Robben Island Museum (RIM). The purpose is to perform research related to Robben Island’s history and context and communicate research findings through seminars, conferences, publications and to assist the senior researcher with research projects. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 
▪ Create an analytical framework for research projects. 
▪ Gather information 
▪ Organise and facilitate site visits and reference groups. 
▪ Conduct interviews with ex-political prisoners 
▪ Identify and analyse material and information from relevant archives. 
▪ Conduct site-based research. 
▪ Liaise with external organisations. 
▪ Maintain and evaluate databases. 
▪ Produce documentation of research and ensure data is recorded. 
▪ Ensure research is accessible to the museum. 
▪ Present papers at conferences and seminars. 
▪ Publish information in Journals. 
▪ Conduct workshops with staff of RIM to ensure awareness of additional information is gathered. 
▪ Assist staff at exhibitions. 
▪ Respond to requests for information from various sources. 
▪ Review and comment on brochures, booklets and other material 
▪ Logging of video material. 
▪ Translate and transcribe information. 
▪ Checking and editing transcripts. 
 
Requirements and Experience: 
▪ Diploma in social studies/ History/ Archaeology/ Architecture or any other related qualification. 
▪ Bachelor’s degree will be advantageous. 
▪ Minimum of 2 Year Experience as a Researcher or Research Assistant 
▪ Fluency in 2 official languages 
▪ Proficient in MS Office 
▪ Broad understanding of South Africa’s political history 
▪ Qualitative research 
 
Core Competencies: 
▪ Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
▪ Demonstrable strategic, conceptual and analytical capacities. 
▪ Guiding Principles 
▪ Analytical Skills 
▪ Cultural Sensitivity 
▪ Commitment to RIM’s mandate 
▪ Strategic Thinking skills 
▪ Results orientated 
▪ Commitment to excellence 
▪ Research writing skills 
▪ Attention to detail 
▪ Interpersonal skills 
▪ Reasoning skills 
▪ Leadership 
▪ Ability to work within teams 
▪ Communication skills (verbal and written) 
▪ Self-management 
▪ Emotional intelligence 
▪ Strong ethical approach

• Equity Statement: Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with Robben Island Employment Equity Plan. 
• Only Forward a detailed CV with Contactable Referees and a Copy of ID to Recruit1@robben-island.org.za using the subject line “Research Assistant 11/2025” no later than the 09th of November 2025 @ 16:00. Late submission will automatically be disqualified. 
• Note: If you do not hear from us within 30 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful. 
• “By submitting your CV/ Application for any position, you hereby grant RIM permission to use your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act no 4 of 2013 and the revised amendment dated 2021” 
• Candidates that previously applied do not need to Re-Apply
 
NB. Please note that RIM is currently undergoing Organisational Review, which might impact on any of the position advertised.


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