Current Opportunities at HSRC

Job Advert Summary    

• The focus of the Science in Society unit is to undertake research about the science/society interface, and to generate knowledge resources and tools to build the HSRC’s impact capabilities. Knowledge resources include databases, research outputs, expertise, and new ideas about impact and engaged research/scholarship in the social sciences and humanities. The unit undertakes both research and praxis, which form a mutually reinforcing knowledge and skills base. Research requires a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses, inter-alia, scholarship related to impact assessment, the research/policy nexus, and science communication. Praxis includes the development of policy briefs, the translation of research evidence into accessible multi-modal formats, qualitative evidence synthesis, tools, practices and frameworks for impact.

A 3 Year contract to be based in Cape Town or Pretoria
The Impact Centre seeks to appoint one (1) PhD Research Intern who has studied and has an interest in the fields of research impact, engaged research/scholarship, science and technology policy, science communication, and the public understanding of science. The Research Trainee Programme in the HSRC provides the successful candidate 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 a mature individual who is 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 the Impact Centre and the HSRC with PhD related work and complete their PhD qualification within three years.

Minimum Requirements    
Key Requirements:

• Possession of a Master’s degree in social science, natural sciences or any other appropriate Master’s degree;
• Registration with, or about to register for a PhD with a recognised  South African University;
• Experience in and understanding of the concepts of research impact, engaged research/scholarship, science and technology policy, science communication, and the public understanding of science;
• Domain knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence would be advantageous
• Good knowledge of data management, and qualitative and/or quantitative analysis skills;
• A sound academic record;
• 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; and
• Proficiency in or working experience with some or all of the following programmes: Atlas Ti, NVIVO and MS Office.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities:

• Working as required on all aspects of work in the areas of research impact, engaged research/scholarship, science and technology policy, science communication, and the public understanding of science
• Searching for relevant literature, writing up literature reviews for projects
• Conducting analysis and writing up research results for workshops/conferences/presentations;
• Producing peer-reviewed research articles that appear in accredited journals;
• Writing reports, fact sheets and policy briefs from survey work and other projects;
• Making demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Doctoral degree;
• Developing their own personal academic competencies through formal and informal training activities; and
• Compilation of all specific duties and deliverables assigned in an individual performance based contract.

Closing Date    
2023/06/14

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Minimum Requirements    

• BCom Finance or Accounting degree or equivalent (NQF 7)
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting or financial management experience
• Relevant experience in financial management, cost and management accounting and project management;
• A good understanding of the financial regulatory system in the public system will be helpful;
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to co-ordinate and capacitate staff;
• Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other accounting tools.  
• Must have intellectual and personal integrity, with a well-developed work ethic and drive, and an aptitude for innovation;
• Should be able to work under pressure, and after hours when required to meet deadlines;
• Must be able to work proactively and independently;

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Manage the financial processes (policies, controls, systems, flows and tasks) within AISA, so that it is efficient, effective, and compliant with the PFMA and HSRC policies and procedures
• Provide strategic financial support to the AISA leadership to ensure sound financial management
• Prepare financial reports in keeping with policies and procedures, as well as audit requirements.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts and other financial reports.
• Provide timeous and regular feedback to relevant stakeholders on financial risks and other issues;
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements;
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial information;
• Support month-end and year-end closing processes;
• Monitoring and reporting of related budgets, and
• Management of all administrative matters within the Office of the Executive Head: AISA

Closing Date    
2023/06/08

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Minimum Requirements    
Key requirements:
The candidate must have:

• A PhD degree or medical qualification plus a Master’s degree in either, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Behavioural Sciences with at least 10 years of experience in research;
• An established research career as evidenced by at least twelve (12) publications (journal articles, reports, book chapters, books) of which several must be international and first or sole authored
• Research experience in tuberculosis and/or HIV, other Infectious Diseases and Non-communicable Diseases
• An interest in one of the priority research areas of HSC will be an advantage
• A sound grounding in Public Health and Social Sciences research methods, especially quantitative approaches, will be a strong recommendation;
• Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination and drive;
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to addressing public health issues;
• The ability and enthusiasm to engage as a leader and team player in large-scale multi-disciplinary research, to lead and manage research teams, and to mentor and train their members;
• Strength in epidemiological research methods and design;
• The versatility to apply quantitative and qualitative methodologies to challenging subject matter across disciplinary boundaries will be advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Good communication and leadership skills. 
• An excellent networking and fundraising track record;
• Sound knowledge of quantitative data management and data analysis skills
• Proficiency in or working experience with some of the following data software packages:  STATA, SPSS,R, Nvivo, AtlasTI or other relevant statistical packages;
• Registration with HPCSA if medically qualified will be an advantage and a requirement

Duties & Responsibilities    
Key Responsibilities:

• The Chief Research Specialist will be expected to participate in all aspects of the research process as he/she works with staff on research projects. In addition to the responsibility to publish journal articles, a Chief Research Specialist will contribute to the sustainable growth of the HSC Research Programme.
• Leading and conducting high level scholarly research, data analysis and evaluation, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies which meet the challenge of peer review, and has both strategic and policy relevance;
• Networking with major users and funders of Public Health research to understand their research needs;
• Responding to calls for proposals and formulating grant applications.
• Delivering high-quality outputs and reports to budget and deadline;
• Communicating research findings in national and international conferences, publishing papers in refereed journals as well as publishing policy briefs and technical reports
• Building national and international research links and networks.
• Managing and leading research teams and large-scale long-term research projects;
• Ability and willingness to Mentoring and developing the research capacity of young South African researchers and supporting colleagues to advance their research careers.
• Contribute to all the Key Performance Areas and Key Performance Indicators of the PHSB Research Programme

Closing Date    
2023/06/09