Senior Research Specialist

HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

The HSRC is seeking a Chief Research Specialist to lead transformative research supporting democracy and sustainable development. This role involves conducting high-level research, managing teams, and engaging in interdisciplinary projects. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have a proven publication record. Apply online to join a mission-driven team focused on building a better South Africa and beyond.

Qualifications

• PhD in social or economic sciences or related disciplines required.
• At least seven peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals.
• Experience in managing research teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-level scholarly research with strategic relevance.
• Manage large scale long-term research projects.
• Deliver high-quality results and communicate findings through policy briefs.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Fundraising for research

Team management

Quantitative methodologies

Qualitative methodologies

Research integrity

User orientation

Education

PhD in social or economic sciences

Job description

The Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) is a research division within the HSRC that employs a multi-disciplinary group of social scientists who conduct numerous empirical and policy-related studies.

The DCES division is looking to appoint a suitably qualified professional in the position of Chief Research Specialist. This position supports and assists the Divisional Executive in implementing the five-year strategic plan of the HSRC. The Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) division conducts transdisciplinary, intersectional, policy and programme-relevant research. The over-arching questions that guide the research are:

·How to strengthen democracy through transparent governance, accountable leadership and reinvigorated public participation/ civic engagement and inclusion. In this regard, research on digital tools and strategies such as participatory platforms are crucial to address the digital divide and help build citizen trust in digital public services.

·How to ensure sustainable development in an increasingly globalising, urbanising and rapidly changing world.

A developmental, capable and ethical state is not possible without ensuring peace and sustainable security within South Africa and beyond its borders. In order to work towards a more socially cohesive citizenry and safer and resilient communities, it is necessary to focus on building a “better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world.”

The Vision of DCES is for it to be a national, regional and international hub for transformative research in the interests of a just and equal society.

The Mission of DCES is for it to conduct cutting edge research in the areas of democracy, governance and citizenship, climate change, environmental sustainability and wellbeing in an engaged manner that focuses on building a better life for all.

The successful applicants will be based in either of the regional offices (Pretoria, Sweetwaters or Cape Town) and will be employed on a permanent basis.

SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIALIST/ MANAGER (2 Positions)

Ref:DCES-CRS/M 06/2025

PERMANENT

We are looking for an accomplished incumbent with experience of policy-relevant research.

Key responsibilities depending on level of appointment:

·Conducting high level scholarly research which meets the challenge of peer review, and has both strategic and policy relevance;

·Responding to requests for tenders and formulating grant applications;

·Managing research teams and large scale long term research projects;

·Proposal writing to secure external funds;

·Mentor fellow employees and emerging researchers;

·Deliver high-quality results and reports to meet set budgets and deadlines;

·Network with major users and funders of social science research to understand their research needs;

·Communicate research findings through modalities like policy briefs;

·Publish in refereed journals;

·Build national and international research links; and

·Manage staff and build capacity within the division.

Key requirements depending on level of appointment:

·A doctorate (PhD) in the social or economic sciences or related disciplines;

·An established research career as evidenced by publications. For SRS/M – at least seven (7) peer reviewed publications in accredited academic journals some of which to be first / sole authored coupled with several years’ experience post PhD qualification

·Excellent writing skills necessary for publication in internationally accredited peer-reviewedacademicjournals, and for drafting briefing papers and reports;

·Record of raising funds for research.

·An interest in one of the priority research areas of DCES will be an advantage;

·A sound grounding in research methods, especially quantitative approaches, will be a strong recommendation;

·The versatility to apply quantitative and qualitative methodologies to challenging subject matter across disciplinary boundaries will be advantageous

·Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination and drive;

·A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to social research that makes a difference;

·The ability and enthusiasm to engage as a team player in large scale multidisciplinary research projects, to manage research teams, and to mentor and train team members.

We encourage applicants to submit applications prior to the closing 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

Please register and submit your application on-line at https://hsrc.erecruit.co/