Job Description

Job Advert Summary

The Human and Social Capabilities research programme within the HSRC employs a multi-disciplinary group of social scientists and public health specialists who conduct numerous empirical and policy-related studies each year, three-quarters of which are donor-funded.

The Human and Social Capabilities division conducts transdisciplinary, intersectional, policy and programme-relevant research to improve health, well-being and promote a socially just and cohesive society.

HSC is looking to appoint one suitably qualified person to take on the responsibilities of a Post-Doctoral Fellow. The successful incumbents will be based in the HSRC either Durban; Pretoria or Cape Town office.

Post-Doctoral Fellow - 1 Identity and Belonging

3 year contract

(REF: HSC – Post-Doc 1701/2023)

In this context we offer Post-Doctoral Fellowships with the aim of providing candidates with the opportunity to gain intensive experience in the research practice environment and to publish the findings of their dissertations in peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum Requirements

• A doctorate in Social sciences (such as among others sociology, psychology, humanities or anthropology) or Public Health (obtained not more than 5 years previously);
• Recognisable expertise in one of the priority research areas of the identity and belonging unit within HSC;
• A sound grounding in diverse research methods (mix methods and experience with biostatics will be a recommendation) and related theoretical debates along with strong conceptual competencies in the area of specialisation;
• Willingness and ability to engage in grant/proposal writing for research funding;
• Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination and drive along with the ability and enthusiasm to engage as a team player in large scale multidisciplinary research;
• A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to pro-poor social research that makes a difference.
• Proficiency in or working experience with some of the following data software packages: STATA, Epi Info, SPSS, Nvivo, AtlasTI or other relevant statistical packages
• Previous experience conducting HIV and gender research or mental health research or the intersection between covid-19 and HIV or social aspects of covid-19 or studies on identity and marginalization or displacement and belonging research or sexual reproductive health research or gender-based violence and population-based research, will be an advantage.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributing to the sustainable growth of the research programme portfolio;
• Publishing scholarly journal articles;

• Supporting the development of contacts and relationships with colleagues in academic institutions, government organizations and the wider research community;
• Supporting effective participation in multidisciplinary research teams and partnerships;
• Assisting with proposals and grant applications to undertake funded research;
• Assisting in delivering research within specified budgets and to deadline;
• Assisting in mentoring interns and research assistants;
• Supporting initiatives to promote the strategic objectives of the HSRC;
• Contributing to discussion in HSRC and HSC-wide activities.