Research Assistant

HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council); Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 167,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

The HSRC Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) invites applications for three Research Assistant positions on a short-term contract in Cape Town. Roles include data collection, cleaning, and analysis for national surveys and policy research.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and strong data handling skills; relocation to Cape Town may be required. See HSRC website for details and application.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, statistics, social sciences, development studies, information systems).
• Quantitative background advantageous but not required.
• Two to three years' experience in fieldwork data collection, collation, and analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficiency with MS Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SPSS, STATA, SAS.
• Data management and data analysis knowledge will be advantageous.
• Experience with concepts of Innovation Systems and STI measurement is a plus.
• Willingness to relocate if outside Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to all aspects of fieldwork for R&D and Business Innovation Surveys, including respondent engagement and data verification.
• Supporting data collection, collation, cleaning, and basic analysis per HSRC/CeSTII standards.
• Assisting with preparing research outputs: fact sheets, briefs, reports, policy briefs, publications.
• Contributing to the write-up of research results for presentations and conferences.
• Participating in capacity development and ongoing personal research development.

Skills

Field data collection

Data verification

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline

Tools

MS Access

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

SPSS

STATA

SAS

Job description

Business Area Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators - CeSTII

Department CeSTII

Number of Positions 3

Workplace Type On-site

Location - Town / City Cape Town

Location - Province Western Cape

Location - Country South Africa

Minimum Education Level NQF 7 - Degree or equivalent

Application Closing Date 23-Sep-2026

Job Category Other

Job Advert Summary

In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Units of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) is a specialist research Centre within the Human Sciences Research Council, dedicated to producing policy-relevant research and statistical analysis in the domains of science, technology, and innovation within the African context. CeSTII has a vision to be a thought and practice leader, as well as an acknowledged site of excellence in its field, and aims to consolidate its position as a value- adding component of South Africa’s national innovation system. CeSTII includes specialists in the area of science, technology, and innovation measurement and policy, as well as economic development and other social science disciplines.

The unit seeks to appoint suitably qualified and experienced Research Assistants on a short-term contract (6-months)

Research Assistants x3 ( Short-term contract)(Ref. No. CeSTII RA's 01-09/2026)Cape Town

Qualifications & Experience

• Applicants must be in possession of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, statistics, social sciences, development studies, information systems, or related fields or a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• A quantitative research background will be advantageous but not required.
• Two to three years' experience in fieldwork data collection, collation, and analysis. Curiosity, enthusiasm, and interest in a research career that includes working with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficiency in or work experience with some or all the following programmes: MS Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SPSS, STATA, SAS.
• Sound knowledge of Data management and data analysis or statistical skills will be advantageous.
• Experience in and understanding of the concepts of Innovation Systems, the business sector, and STI measurement will be an added advantage.
• Willingness to relocate if you reside outside of Cape Town.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contributing to all aspects of fieldwork for the National Research and Development (R&D) Survey and the Business Innovation Surveys, including respondent engagement, follow-ups, and data verification.
• Supporting data collection, collation, cleaning, and basic analysis in line with HSRC and CeSTII quality standards.
• Assisting with the preparation of high-quality research outputs arising from survey work, including fact sheets, research briefs, reports, policy briefs, and, where appropriate, academic publications.
• Contributing to the write-up of research results for internal and external presentations, workshops, and conferences.
• Participating in capacity development activities and actively developing personal research and academic competencies through formal and informal training.
• Meeting all duties, outputs and deliverables specified in an individual performance-based contract.

For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website ( www.hsrc.ac.za ). Enquiries, relating to technical knowledge for the positions (NOT applications or CVs) may be directed to Ms. Natasha Saunders at [e-mail]

In delivering 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008.

The HSRC aims to attract and retain high-calibre skills and human resources necessary to effectively execute both its mandate to conduct research and to support the strategic intent of the organisation.

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of South African Citizens who are black, female, or disabled towards achieving Equity goals.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Application from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.