HSRC: Masters Research Internship 2016/2017 in Pretoria

Ref Number- ODCEO:R MI06/2016

The main function of the HSRC is research and the effective communication of its research findings in support of efforts to effect social improvement. The Deputy CEO for Research (DCEO: R) provides leadership and strategic oversight of the activities of the various research programmes and centres in the HSRC. Centralised functions in the Office of the DCEO serve as a coordinating platform to support strategic planning, performance management and reporting, institutional initiatives, professional grant management and a commitment to quality, ethics and excellence in all aspects of the research endeavour.

The Office of the DCEO: Research plays a visionary research leadership role that spans over a broad area including an oversight role of the research focus areas that include Education and Skills Development (ESD), Economic Performance and Development (EPD), Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB (HAST), Democracy, Governance and Service Delivery (DGSD) as well as Human and Social Development (HSD). The Office of the DCEO: Research also has the direct responsibility over the BRICS Research Unit, Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII), Research Use and Impact Assessment (RIA) and Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA)

A vacancy exists for a suitable candidate to take up a Master’s research intern position, working in the broad area of “responsible conduct of research” (with particular reference to research ethics and research integrity) in the Office of the DCEO: Research.

Internship application deadline is 1 July 2016

Internship Provider: HSRC

Internship Location: Pretoria

2 year contract based in Pretoria

The Master’s Research Internship in the HSRC is meant to provide successful candidates with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists. This particular internship will also require involvement in policy, literature and documentary reviews and seeks mature individuals who are able to work independently as well as in a team. Alongside involvement in project-related research and associated support work, Master’s research interns are also expected to complete their thesis within 2 years. Time is set aside for this purpose.

Responsibilities:

Currently registered and working towards a Master’s degree at a recognised South African or other university, preferably in research ethics or research methods in the social sciences and humanities.

In addition, the successful candidate will be required to participate in all aspects of the research process while working with other staff on different research projects. Among other duties, the selected Master’s research intern will contribute to the following activities under supervision:
•    Providing specialised back-up support to the REC Chair and administrator and the Research Integrity Officer (RIO) of the HSRC, which includes compilation and review of documents;
•    Participating in REC and other work-related meetings, workshops, training events or conferences;
•    Assisting with selected protocol reviews and conducting directed reading on specific issues related to research ethics or research integrity, where requested by the REC Chair or RIO of the HSRC;
•    Contributing to the development of research questions, proposals and/or funding applications to support further work in the context of research ethics and/or responsible conduct of research;
•    Participating in the collection, capturing and analysis of data;
•    Writing up of research results, contributing to manuscripts for publication and the development of relevant resource or training materials.

Requirements:
•    Applicants must be in possession of a relevant Honours degree and be registered for the appropriate higher degree either with a recognised South African or other university;
•    A sound grounding in research methods or research ethics will be a strong recommendation;
•    Ability to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines.
•    Computer literacy including MS Office, Outlook and related applications
•    Good planning and organisational skills
•    Willingness and ability to work in a team, and to work well under pressure
•    Sound communication skills (verbal as well as report writing)

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

Applications:

In your application, please include 1) a letter of motivation indicating the position you are applying 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 as well as 5) proof of registration at a recognised university. Ensure that you indicate the reference number. The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements. Applicants may be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position.

How to Apply:

The Head: Human Resources, HSRC, Private Bag X41, Pretoria 0001, or hand deliver to the HSRC Building, Room S944, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria or e-mail to recruitment@hsrc.ac.za. Please ensure that you indicate the reference number in the subject line.

Enquiries may be directed to Dr Christa van Zyl on +27(0) 12 302 2014 or email at cvanzyl@hsrc.ac.za.

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its staff members who are black, female or disabled.

Notification:

Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only candidates who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of the interview. The HSRC reserves the right to not make an appointment