Research Assistant

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship at Stellenbosch University (SU) invites applications for a Research Assistant (Post Level 11) to support projects within the Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) on the Stellenbosch Campus.

The successful candidate will conduct literature reviews, assist in study design and data collection, prepare instruments, and help with research outputs while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• A relevant master's degree will be preferred.
• At least two years' experience in academic research, preferably in a university setting.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools for data analysis.
• Familiarity with research ethics and compliance regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews to gather relevant research articles, papers, and materials.
• Assist in design, implementation, and execution of research studies and experiments.
• Prepare research materials, including surveys, questionnaires, and interview protocols.
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot problems and address research challenges.
• Collect and analyse data using various research methodologies, tools, and software.
• Maintain accurate records of research procedures, results, and data sources.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to research projects, including scheduling meetings, organising files, and managing timelines.
• Attend research meetings, seminars, and workshops to stay informed of trends and developments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Data analysis

Research ethics

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
School of Public Leadership
Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship
Research Assistant (Post Level 11)
(Stellenbosch Campus)
Ref. EBW07/397/0926

The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) at Stellenbosch University (SU) is a specialist and internationally award-winning collaborative think-tank bridging research and impact through data and ecosystem building.

We

• Create and integrate entrepreneurial ecosystem data of African countries and regions.
• Analyse and interpret entrepreneurial ecosystem data of African countries and regions.
• Develop and communicate scientifically rigorous and societally relevant entrepreneurial ecosystem research.
• Create a platform for stakeholders that provides and uses entrepreneurial ecosystem data and knowledge in Africa (including academics, governments, entrepreneurship service providers, entrepreneurship associations, philanthropies, NGOs, venture capitalists).
• Contribute to the development of entrepreneurship and economic development scholarship in Africa.

Duties/Pligte

• Conducting literature reviews to gather relevant research articles, papers, and materials.
• Assisting in the design, implementation, and execution of research studies and experiments.
• Preparing research materials, including surveys, questionnaires, and interview protocols.
• Collaborating with team members to troubleshoot problems and address research challenges.

Data Collection, Analysis, And Management

• Collecting and analysing data using various research methodologies, tools, and software.
• Maintaining accurate records of research procedures, results, and data sources.

Research Administration

• Assisting with administrative tasks related to research projects, including scheduling meetings, organising files, and managing project timelines.
• Attending research meetings, seminars, and workshops to remain informed of current trends and developments in the field.

Research Outputs

• Contributing to the preparation of research reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Adhering to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of research activities.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• A relevant master's degree will be preferred.
• At least two years' experience in academic research, preferably in a university setting.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools for data analysis.
• Familiarity with research ethics and compliance regulations.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Past exposure or experience in youth development and/or working in different African markets will be advantageous.
• Past exposure or experience in entrepreneurship development will be advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating across teams and stakeholder groups.
• A drive to learn and master new technologies and research methods.
• Proficiency in data staging, analysis and/or visualisations will be advantageous.
• Passionate about the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

CurrencyZAR Commencement Date01-Nov-2026 Closing Date12-Oct-2026 Amount of Travel Work At Home