Masters Research Trainee Ref: Masters TRN Intern - DCES 07/2023 - Pretoria at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    

• The Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) is a research division within the HSRC and employs a multi-disciplinary group of social scientists who conduct numerous empirical and policy-related studies.
• The DCES division is looking to appoint a PhD Research Intern who has studied and has an interest in the field of human and social sciences particularly in areas of democracy, governance, citizenship, developmental state, sustainable human security and development. The DCES division conducts transdisciplinary, intersectional, policy and programme-relevant research and related capacity building. The two over-arching questions that guide its research are:
• How to strengthen democracy through transparent governance, accountable leadership and reinvigorated public participation/ civic engagement; and
• How to ensure sustainable development through sustainable human and social security
• DCES seeks to appoint a Masters Research Intern who has studied and has an interest in the field of human and social sciences particularly in areas of democracy, governance, citizenship, developmental state, sustainable human security, and sustainable development. The appointment is for a period of two years and is based in Pretoria.
• The Research Trainee Programme in the HSRC provides the successful candidates with an opportunity to further develop their research expertise by working with subject experts and project specialists. The research trainee experience is intensive and requires mature individuals who are able to work independently as well as in a team.  The successful individual will be required to balance day to day duties and responsibilities in DCES and the HSRC with Masters related work and complete their Masters qualification within 2 years. Time is set aside for this purpose – 60/40 split.

Minimum Requirements    

• Applicants must be in possession of a Honours degree in a field of human and social sciences, and should be registered for, or about to register for, a Masters with a registered South African University;
• Experience in and understanding of the concepts of the developmental, capable and ethical state (democracy, governance, citizenship, peace, human security (economic, social, health, political, food, and environment) and sustainable development, etc.);
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Undertake qualitative and quantitative fieldwork;
• Sound knowledge of data management, qualitative and quantitative analysis skills will be very advantageous;
• A sound academic record;
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports and manuscripts for publication, whilst having peer reviewed articles in recognized journals will be advantageous;
• Participate in conference/ present research findings;
• Curiosity, enthusiasm and interest in a research career that includes working with statistics and data analysis;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, good communication and leadership skills are required;
• Competence in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint;

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities:

• Work with a professional research team on all aspects of policy orientated research, including  conceptualisation, data collection and analysis, and participation in dissemination of findings;
• Conduct and organise literature reviews and other secondary data searches;
• Undertake qualitative and quantitative fieldwork;
• Assist with administrative matters in the research environment;
• Contribute to the preparation of peer reviewed academic journal articles, research reports, study protocols, presentations, manuscripts and research grant proposals;
• Participate in structured research trainee mentoring and capacity development activities; and
• Produce a yearly report on an aspect of their
• Make demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Master’s degree
• Self-discipline and the ability to manage both the demands of the job and ensure that university studies are timeously completed;
• Applicants must be South African

Closing Date    
2023/07/31