Masters Researcher Trainee

HSRC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A research council is seeking a driven Masters Researcher Trainee in Cape Town for a two-year fixed-term contract. The role involves working on policy-oriented research in education and economics, collaborating with a professional team, and requires an Honours degree in Social Sciences. Skills in data analysis and a keen interest in research are essential. Applications are due by August 22, 2025.

Qualifications

• Graduated with an Honours degree and registered for a Master's degree in Social Sciences.
• Willingness to participate in conferences and present research findings.
• A sound academic record is required.

Responsibilities

• Work with a professional research team on all aspects of policy-oriented research.
• Assist with the preparation of research ethics submissions.
• Conduct and organise literature reviews.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Sound knowledge of data management

Intermediate level qualitative and quantitative analysis skills

Competence in basic computer applications

Research experience

Curiosity and enthusiasm for a research career

Education

Honours degree in Social Sciences

Tools

Python

SPSS

Microsoft Word

Stata

R

Job description

Job Advert Summary

In delivering social science that makes a difference the Research Divisions Units Institutes and Centres of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertake policy-oriented research from its offices in Pretoria Cape Town and Sweetwaters. Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

Equitable Education and Economies (EEE)

Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) is a research division of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) that undertakes research to transform educational outcomes and increase economic participation. It recognises that education and the economy are intrinsically linked and thus EEE conducts research in both areas sometimes discretely many times overlapping and using a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the gains and growth South Africa needs.

EEE has a large and vibrant research programme with over 30 experienced and emerging researchers working on methodologically rigorous and transformative research. We do so with a focus on understanding transformation and innovation in a spatialised economy that includes access to land and food security and researching the future of education work and skills needed to ensure young people gain relevant skills to equip them for successful transitions into sustainable meaningful and socially just forms of livelihoods.

Traineeship

EEE is currently looking to appoint one Masters Researcher Trainee to work in either the fields of education or economics on a fixed-term two-year contract. This Traineeship can be based in any of the HSRC offices namely Pretoria Cape Town or Sweetwaters.

Masters Researcher Trainee (1 Position)

Ref. No : MT EEE 07 / 2025

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with a professional research team on all aspects of policy-oriented research including conceptualisation operationalisation data collection and analysis and participation in the dissemination of findings;
• Assist with the preparation of research ethics submissions;
• Conduct and organise literature reviews and other secondary data searches;
• Undertake qualitative and quantitative data collection;
• Assist with conducting descriptive and inferential analysis of quantitative data under supervision;
• Develop project management skills 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
• Make demonstrable progress towards the achievement of a Masters degree

The HSRC offers a fixed salary at this level that allows time for completion of studies.

Applications should include

• A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability and goals for the position.
• A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and include details of your citizenship.
• The details of three recent referees with telephone / cell number e-mail and institutional affiliation.
• Proof of Registration for Masters Studies.
• A one-page outline of your envisaged Masters thesis.

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.

Please note that applicants may be required to complete a written test pertaining to this position.

Please register and submit your application on-line at Instructions :

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site as well as to make application for available vacancies;
• Candidates will be prompted to upload their documents;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB there is an on-screen option to resize;
• The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 attachment. Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Enquiries about the nature of the position and NOT applications may be directed to Maria Ngema at email address

For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website .

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its staff complement who are SA Citizens black female or disabled.

Closing date : Friday 22 August 2025. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Minimum Requirements

• Applicants for the Masters Researcher Traineeship must have graduated with an Honours degree and be registered (proof of registration will be required within 6 months of assuming duty) for a Masters degree in the Social Sciences (particularly in areas such as Economics Statistics and Development Studies);
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Willingness to participate in conferences / present research findings;
• Sound knowledge of data management intermediate level qualitative and quantitative analysis skills;
• Competence in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint. Competence in data analysis software (e.g. SPSS ) will be an advantage;
• A sound academic record;
• Willingness to learn through hands on engagement in a variety of research projects;
• Intellectual and personal integrity a well-developed work ethic and drive;
• Self-discipline and the ability to manage both the demands of the job and ensure that university studies are timeously completed;
• Curiosity enthusiasm and interest in a research career; and
• Applicants must be South African citizens.

Required Experience : Intern

Key Skills

Intelligence Community Experience,Python,Spss,Microsoft Word,R,Regression Analysis,Windows,Stata,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Data Modeling,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1