HSRC Internship Opportunity 2017

The HSD programme conducts social science and humanities research addressing the development of vulnerable individuals over the life course and across generations living in the context of communities and a transforming society.

Our unique contribution is to focus on how the intersections of identity markers such as gender, race, class and age and broader social conditions (e.g. inequalities; diversity, social cohesion) impact human and social development.

HSD currently employs a multi-disciplinary group of social scientists and humanities scholars in Pretoria, Durban, Sweetwaters and Cape Town. Our work focuses on the following key areas of work:

1.    Children in Adversity:  a focus on childhood vulnerabilities, including those made vulnerable by poverty, HIV and AIDS.

2.    Youth in the Global South:  a focus on young people, providing data on the status of youth and an evidence-base for positive youth development in the Global South.

3.    Families and Reproductive Justice: focuses on work-family combinations, care and care-giving, reproductive justice, the role of men in families and intergenerational relationships.

4.    Society and Belonging: addresses the dynamics of individual and social change (including urbanisation, migration, climate change and technological change) as well as the role of communities and social movements in facilitating change and addressing inequalities.

2 year contract

The Human and Social Development (HSD) research programme of the HSRC seeks to appoint a research trainee (intern) at Masters level to start as soon as possible. The successful incumbent will be based in the HSRC Sweetwaters office just outside Pietermaritzburg.

The internship experience is intensive, but rewarding. It is suited to a mature individual who is able to work in teams and independently.  In order to develop research expertise, interns work with experts and project specialists.

Key Responsibilities:
In addition to completing their degrees, research trainees are required to participate in all aspects of the research process as they work on research projects and commit 60% of their time to HSRC project work. Among other duties, they will participate in the following research activities under supervision:

•    The conceptualisation and execution of research projects;
•    The formulation of research questions and funding proposals;
•    The submission of research proposals for ethical review;
•    Collection and analysis of data;
•    Write-up of research including conference presentations, research reports and manuscripts for publication; and
•    Assist with research administration

Key Requirements:

•    Currently registered for a Master’s degree in the Social Sciences/Humanities, or be prepared to register within 6 months of the appointment.
•    Have an interest in one of the priority research areas of HSD outlined above
•    South African citizen or permanent resident

Key Competencies and skills:

•    Computer literacy, including MS Office, Outlook and Excel and related applications in scientific software (e.g. SPSS, AtlasTi or similar);
•    Good planning and organisational skills, including working well under pressure;
•    Sound communication skills (verbal as well as report writing);
•    A sound conceptual grounding in their discipline and in research methods, including key theories;
•    Good interpersonal skills
•    A sound grounding in research methods, qualitative or quantitative and growing conceptual ability. In order to complement the programme, we are seeking an applicant with strong quantitative skills.

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

Applications: In your application, please include: your CV, a letter of motivation, and the details of three recent referees (with telephone, fax and e-mail contact details).

Research Trainees must include an example of recent academic work (not exceeding 8000 words); and a one-page outline of your Master’s thesis topic (or the abstract of the completed work).

Ensure that you indicate the reference number of the position for which you are applying.

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.  Applicants may be required to undertake a written exercise or an oral presentation in the competencies required for the position.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

Or send your details to The Head: Human Resources, HSRC, Private Bag X41, Pretoria 0001, or hand deliver to the HSRC Building, Room S944, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria.

If you experience problems applying online, please send your applicationsto [email protected].

Please indicate the reference number in the subject line, applications that do not adhere to this, will not be considered.

For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website(www.hsrc.ac.za).

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

Closing date: 14 June 2017.

We encourage applicants to submit prior to that date.

Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their applicationhas 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

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.