Location: Pretoria, Cape Town or Sweetwaters (Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal)
Closing Date: 22 August 2025
Company: Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
Reference Number: HSR250721-1
Job Type: Fixed-term contract (long term)
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Department: Equitable Education and Economies (EEE)
Number of Positions: 1
Minimum Education Level: NQF 8 – Honours Degree or equivalent
Salary: Fixed stipend (allows time for study completion)
Category: Other
Job Overview
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) seeks to appoint one Masters Researcher Trainee in its Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) division for a fixed two-year traineeship. The role is based at any of the HSRC offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, or Sweetwaters, and is aimed at individuals pursuing a Master’s degree in social sciences or related fields.
About the EEE Division
EEE undertakes research focused on transforming education outcomes and increasing economic participation. With a multidisciplinary lens, EEE investigates land access, food security, education futures, work, and youth skills development to drive social justice and meaningful livelihoods.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
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Assist with policy-oriented research projects: conceptualisation, data collection, analysis, and reporting
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Conduct literature reviews and secondary data searches
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Participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection
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Support data analysis and assist with research ethics submissions
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Draft and contribute to journal articles, presentations, protocols, and grant proposals
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Engage in mentoring and research capacity-building programmes
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Make visible progress toward completing a Master’s degree
Minimum Requirements
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Honours degree in Social Sciences (e.g., Economics, Development Studies, Statistics)
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Must be registered (or provide proof of registration within 6 months) for a Master’s degree
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Strong communication and writing skills
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Experience in data management and intermediate qualitative/quantitative analysis
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Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; SPSS/Atlas.ti is an advantage
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Academic excellence and integrity
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Willingness to learn and contribute actively to diverse research projects
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South African citizenship is mandatory
Application Requirements
All applications must include:
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Motivational Cover Letter
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Detailed CV
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Highest qualification
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Research and fieldwork experience
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Citizenship status
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Three References (with contact info and institutional details)
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Proof of Master’s Registration
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One-page Outline of intended Master’s thesis
Note: Applicants may be required to complete a written assessment.
How to Apply
Apply online via: https://hsrc.erecruit.co/candidateapp
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Upload only 1 merged PDF document (max 1MB)
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Compatible with mobile and desktop browsers
For enquiries (not applications), email Maria Ngema at mngema@hsrc.ac.za
Additional Information
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The HSRC promotes transformation and diversity
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Preference may be given to SA citizens who are Black, female, or persons with disabilities
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Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 8 weeks