Master’s Research Intern – 2 Posts (Reference: M Intern PHHSI 10.13) | HSRC

In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-orientated research projects and programmes from its offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Pietermaritzburg (Sweetwaters). Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The Population Health, Health System and Innovation (PHHSI) research programme conducts primary and secondary research on Health, Health Systems and Innovation, which enables evidence-based decision-making by our partners. PHHSI works with external partners, the research programmes of the HSRC and, through various networks, builds Health, and Science and Technology expertise in South Africa and the continent.

PHHSI seeks to appoint two Master’s Interns, each on a contract for a period of two years. The successful candidates will be based in Pretoria and/or Cape Town. These positions are being re-advertised, and previous applicants need not re-apply.

The Internship Programme in the HSRC is meant to provide the successful candidates with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists.The internship experience is intensive and requires mature individuals who are able to work independently as well as in a team. The successful individuals will be required to balance day to day duties and responsibilities in PHHSI and the HSRC with their Master’s/PhD related work and complete their thesis within 2 and 3 years for Master’s and Doctoral research trainees, respectively. Time is set aside for this purpose.

Key responsibilities will include:

In addition to completing their Master’s degrees within two years, Master’s interns are required to participate in all aspects of the research process as they work with staff on research projects related to population health. Among other duties they will participate in the following activities under supervision:

• Conceptualise and implement research projects;

• Write funding proposals for funding applications;

• Collection and analysis of data;

• Write peer reviewed research manuscripts that are published in accredited journals;

• Write research results including workshops and conferences presentations as well as high quality research reports for submission to accredited journals;

• Develop own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;

• Assist with administrative matters in the research environment.

 

Key requirements:

• For a Master’s Intern, applicants must be in possession of an Honours degree (or equivalent) and be registered for, or about to be registered for, a Master’s degree;

• Have an interest in one or more of the priority research areas of PHHSI (e.g. infant, child and maternal health including reproductive health; nutrition; social determinants of heath such as smoking, alcohol and stress; health promotion, and gender in health and development);

• Experience in and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research approaches will be a strong recommendation;

• Proficiency in or working experience with some or all of the following programmes: MS Access, Excel, Word, SPSS, STATA, Nvivo, AtlasTI;

• Sound knowledge of data management and data analysis as well as statistical skills will be advantageous;

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;

• Good communication and leadership skills.

The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages, depending on qualifications, experience and recent performance.

APPLICATIONS: In your application, please include 1) a letter of motivation indicating the position applied for and your suitability for the position, 2) your current CV, 3) details of three recent referees (with telephone, fax and e-mail contact details) 4) a one-page outline of your Master’s thesis or proposed thesis, as well as 5) an example of recent academic work (not exceeding 8000 words). Please indicate the reference number of the post applied for.

The HSRC will only consider applications that include the above requirements. Applicants may be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position.

Applications should be submitted to: The Human Resources Generalist, HSRC, Private Bag X9182, Cape Town, 8000, or delivered to the 14th Floor, Plein Park Building, 69 – 83 Plein Street, Cape Town. E-mailed and faxed applications will not be accepted.

For further enquiries, and not applications, please contact Prof Priscilla Reddy on 021 466 7944.

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its black, female or disabled senior managers, research leaders and support staff.

Closing date: 6 November 2013. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only candidates interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.