HSRC: Masters Internship 2018 / 2019 in South Africa

The Education and Skills Development Research Programme focuses on research that contributes to social transformation, human development and an inclusive economic growth path through an educated, skilled and informed citizenry. We conduct research to (i) Improve schooling outcomes, (ii) Aid young people to navigate the future of work, (iii) Transform higher education, and to (iv) Promote anti-racism and citizenship education.

As part of our mandate to equip a new generation of scholars, we are currently seeking to appoint two research trainees who are currently in the process of completing a master’s degree at a South African university. To be eligible for this position you must be currently registered. Strongest candidates would have finished the course work component of the degree, and are close to submission of their dissertation.

We are looking for energetic candidates in the humanities, social or economic sciences and with a commitment to education and youth development, and who are keen to develop a career in policy-relevant and transformative research. In addition to working towards the completion of their university degrees, interns are required to participate in all aspects of the research process as they work alongside research experts.

Responsibilities

The Research Intern will participate in the following activities under supervision:

•Reviewing research reports and journal articles and other literature;
•The execution and management of research projects;
•The collection and analysis of data;
•Administering relevant interview schedules, questionnaires, observation schedules and other tools for data collection;
•Capturing, coding and analysing data from various data-collection activities; and
•Assist in preparing and writing reports for publication and dissemination.

Requirements

Applicants should:

•Be currently registered for a Master’s degree, and be close to completion (but not yet graduated);
•Be prepared to travel to undertake fieldwork;
•Be curious and enthusiastic about a research career that includes qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
•Possess data management/data analysis/statistical skills;
•Have knowledge of and demonstrable working experience in at least one of the following software packages: MS Excel, MS Access, SPSS, Stata, NVivo or Atlas.ti;
•Have some work experience in the field of education or youth development; and
•Be able to work independently as well as in a team.

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

Applications: In your application, please include: (1) your CV; (2) a letter of motivation; (3) the names of three recent referees (with telephone and e-mail contact details); and (4) a writing sample not exceeding 6,000 words and a one-page outline of your Master’s thesis (or the abstract of the thesis). The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements. Applicants will be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position.

How to apply

Please submit your application on-line at http://hsrc.jb.skillsmapafrica.com. If you experience challenges uploading documents, you may send them to recruitment@hsrc.ac.za indicating the reference number in the subject line but you will still need to register your application on Skills Map. Further details of the HSRC and ESD can be found on our website at www.hsrc.ac.za

Enquiries about the nature of the position, and NOT applications, may be directed to Dr Michael Gastrow via email at mgastrow@hsrc.ac.za

The HSRC is committed to improving the proportion of its staff who are black, female or disabled.

Closing date: 31 July 2018

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