Senior Research Specialist - Cape Town, Pretoria, or Durban at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    

• The Science in Society unit of the Impact Centre seeks to appoint a Senior Research Specialist on a permanent contract. The candidate should be an accomplished researcher, with experience in in the one or more areas of research into science in society, including research impact, science communication, the public understanding of science, and innovation systems. Expertise in the area of engaged research would be advantageous, particularly with regards to participative methodologies, and engagement between researchers, communities, and stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements    
Key Requirements:

• A doctorate in the social sciences
• 7 years’ experience as a senior academic
• Experience with applied research and policy analysis
• Experience in one of the following research or practice areas of the Impact Centre: engaged research, research impact, science communication, the public understanding of science, innovation systems and evidence-informed policy and practice
• At least 10 publications, some sole/first-authored, at least one international
• Some fundraising experience  
• Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination, and drive.
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to social research that makes a difference.
• The ability and enthusiasm to lead research and practice teams involved in large-scale multidisciplinary projects, to manage team members, and to mentor and train junior researchers; and
• The versatility to apply quantitative and qualitative methodologies to challenging subject matter across disciplinary boundaries.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities:

• Design, manage and implement research projects in the Impact Centre  
• Support and coordinate teams across the HSRC in long-term research projects
• Build and support scholarship and a community of practice around engaged research
• Advise and mentor HSRC colleagues on engaged research methodologies and approaches
• Deliver high-quality results and reports within budget and deadline.
• Communicate research findings and publish in peer reviewed journals.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers.