HSRC: Master’s Research Internships 2016 / 2017

HSRC: Master’s Research Internship Programme 2016 / 2017

Closing date: 17th June 2016

The Population Health, Health System and Innovation (PHHSI) research programme conducts primary and secondary research on health, health interventions and impact evaluation, 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 expertise in South Africa and the continent.

The priority research areas of PHHSI are infant, child and maternal health including reproductive health; health systems and policy; social determinants of health such as smoking, alcohol and stress, violence and child maltreatment, school and adolescent health, nutrition; health promotion and behavioural interventions, and gender in health and development.

1 POST (2 year contract)

PHHSI seeks to appoint a Master’s research intern for a period of two years. The successful candidate will be based in Cape Town .

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 related studies and complete their thesis within two years. Time is set aside for this purpose.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in a multidisciplinary research practice environment, enhance own research capacity, identify own niche areas of research, and co-author publications under supervision. The appointee should have an interest in a health related field, such as Public Health Nutrition, Population Health, Health Systems, and/or Maternal and Child Health. Preference, however, will be given to those with an interest in Nutrition, Obesity, Non-communicable diseases, physical activity and micronutrient deficiencies.

Key responsibilities will include:

In addition to completing their Master’s degrees within two years, Master’s research 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;
• Assist with writing proposals for funding applications;
• Collection and analysis of data;
• Assist with writing peer reviewed research manuscripts that are published in accredited journals;
• Assist with dissemination of research results including workshops and conferences presentations as well as high quality research reports;
• Develop own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities;
• Assist with administrative matters in the research environment.

Key requirements:

• 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 with a registered South African University;
• Have an interest in one or more of the priority research areas of PHHSI (e.g. Public Health Nutrition, Population Health, Health Systems, Maternal and Child Health, Obesity, Non-communicable diseases, physical activity and micronutrient deficiencies;
• 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;
• Be a South African citizen.

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 Masters/ PhD 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 or email recruitment@hsrc.ac.za indicating the job reference number in the subject line.

For further enquiries , and not applications, please contact Prof Demetre Labadarios on +27 21 466 7802, or Dr Zandile Mchiza on +27 21 466 7824, or Dr Whadi-ah Parker on +27 21 466 7926..

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: 17th June 2016. 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. The HSRC reserves the right to not make an appointment.

Details of the HSRC can be found on the website, at www.hsrc.ac.za